Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

Ending the age of Gout

    Are you familiar with gout? If you aren’t – consider yourself very lucky.  All too often I have patients limp into my office in Crofton, Maryland experiencing a painful gouty flare up. Once considered a disease of the uber wealthy upper class (as best illustrated by King Henry VIII of England, or our founding father Benjamin Franklin), our change in diets and lifestyles has initiated a drastic increase in the amount of people affected by gout in the United States.  In fact, health.com recently issued a top list of celebrities who have suffered from gout attacks.  These successful actors, musicians and professional athletes, much like my patients, will try everything to rid themselves of this excruciating condition. Even rocker/film star Jared Leto had to bow to the overwhelming gout, saying that he ‘couldn’t walk for long distances’, and that he had to use ‘a wheelchair because it was so painful’.

     Gout occurs because purine crystals from our blood deposit themselves into our joints.  When we try to move that joint, our body is accosted by the sharp edges on these crystals. This rubbing can cause significant damage overtime to the affected joint; typically resulting in a very sharp, stabbing pain which can last for days. Getting treatment is essential, as these crystal structures cause physical damage our joints, leaving us with lasting damage beyond each episode of pain. We have a vast array of treatment options at Crofton Podiatry to keep your gout under control and to keep you pain free. From dietary education, to oral prescription or over the counter medications, we want to work with you to keep your feet healthy.

    If you’re feeling like you may be experiencing a gouty flare-up, below are my favorite tips to keep the pain at bay:

  • Take any medications your doctor has prescribed as directed, making sure to inform them of all medicines and vitamins you are taking at each visit.
  • Check your feet regularly and report any new coloration, swellings, or pain.
  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods that are high in purines, being sure to drink water regularly.
  • Exercise daily and maintain a healthy body weight. Seek additional counseling if you feel like you cannot maintain this regimen.

For more information about gout and ways to keep your feet gout free follow this link for the most up-to-date information.

By Brad Toll.

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed