Gout: Symptoms, AdvancedTreatment, and Lifestyle Care in Tampa and Orlando
At Bolad Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic, we specialize in comprehensive gout treatment for patients in Tampa and Orlando, Florida. Gout is a chronic form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sudden, severe joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. With early diagnosis and personalized treatment, gout can be effectively controlled and long-term joint damage can be prevented.
Learn more about our comprehensive approach at our dedicated Gout Center
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It most commonly affects the big toe but can also involve the feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists, elbows, and surrounding soft tissues.
Although gout often starts in one joint, untreated gout can become chronic and affect multiple joints over time.
Gout attacks may last from a few days to two weeks if left untreated and are more common in men, typically beginning after age 30. Women can also develop gout, especially after menopause.
Symptoms and Effects of Gout
Early Signs of Gout
Many patients experience their first gout attack as sudden, intense pain and swelling, often in the big toe. These attacks may be triggered by illness, injury, dehydration, or certain foods and drinks.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Gout
Many patients experience their first gout attack as sudden, intense pain and swelling, often in the big toe. These attacks may be triggered by illness, injury, dehydration, or certain foods and drinks.
If gout is not properly managed, it can lead to:
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Recurrent and more frequent gout attacks
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Chronic joint inflammation and pain
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Tophi (hard uric acid crystal deposits under the skin)
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Joint and bone damage
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Kidney stones and impaired kidney function
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Early evaluation by a board-certified rheumatologist is essential to avoid these complications.
Visit our Gout FAQs to learn more about symptoms and disease progression
How Is Gout Diagnosed?
Clinical Evaluation
An experienced gout specialist can often suspect gout based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.
Definitive Gout Diagnosis
The most accurate way to diagnose gout is by examining synovial fluid from the affected joint under a microscope. The presence of uric acid crystals confirms gout.
Blood tests may also be used to measure uric acid levels, although elevated uric acid alone does not always mean gout is present.
Additional diagnostic details are available in our FAQ section
Gout Treatment Options at Bolad Clinic
Acute Gout Attack Management
The first goal of gout treatment is to quickly reduce pain and inflammation during an active gout flare. This may include medications and targeted therapies prescribed by your rheumatologist.
Learn more about our comprehensive gout care program through our dedicated Gout Center, where we focus on long-term disease control and flare prevention.
Long-Term Gout Management
Once the acute attack is controlled, treatment focuses on:
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Preventing future gout attacks
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Lowering uric acid levels to a target of less than 6 mg/dL
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Protecting joints and kidney health
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Reducing the risk of chronic gout and joint damage
Your treatment plan is customized based on your symptoms, uric acid levels, overall health, and lifestyle.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Gout Treatment
Diet and Gout
Diet alone does not cause gout, but certain foods can trigger attacks if uric acid levels are already high. While dietary changes alone rarely lower uric acid enough, they play an important supportive role.
Helpful Lifestyle Tips
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Drink plenty of water to help flush uric acid from the body
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Engage in regular physical activity
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Include low-fat dairy products, which may lower gout risk
High-Purine Foods
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Limiting high-purine foods may help reduce gout flare-ups. Your rheumatologist can guide you on which foods may affect your condition.
Why Choose Bolad Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic for Gout Care
Expert Rheumatology Care in Tampa & Orlando
Our clinic is led by board-certified rheumatologists with extensive experience diagnosing and managing gout and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We take a patient-centered approach, combining medication, lifestyle guidance, and long-term monitoring to help you live comfortably with gout.
Comprehensive, Ongoing Support
From your first visit through long-term follow-up, our team is committed to helping you control gout, prevent flare-ups, and protect your joint health.
Schedule an Appointment for Gout Treatment in Florida
If you are experiencing gout symptoms or have been diagnosed with gout, early treatment can make a significant difference.
Contact Bolad Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic today to schedule an appointment at our Tampa or Orlando locations and take control of your gout with expert care.