Gout
What is Gout?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis known for causing sudden, intense joint pain—most often in the big toe. It happens when your body builds up too much uric acid, a waste product from breaking down substances called purines. When uric acid levels get too high, sharp crystals can form in the joints, leading to severe pain and swelling.
While gout can be extremely painful, it’s also highly treatable. At Piedmont Arthritis Clinic, we help you manage flares, prevent future attacks, and protect your joints from long-term damage.
Signs & Symptoms of Gout
Gout attacks often strike without warning and can be mistaken for an infection or injury. Recognizing the symptoms can help you get prompt treatment and relief.
Acute Gout Flare
- Sudden, severe joint pain (often at night)
- Commonly affects the big toe, but can also impact ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, or fingers
- Swelling, warmth, and redness around the joint
- Skin may look shiny or feel tight over the swollen area
- Even a light touch—like a bedsheet—can be excruciating
- Limited movement due to pain and inflammation
Between Attacks
- Joints may return to normal, but without treatment, attacks often come back more often and affect more joints
If Left Untreated
- Tophi: Painless lumps of uric acid crystals under the skin
- Joint damage and chronic pain
- Kidney stones from uric acid buildup
IF YOU’VE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN, PAINFUL JOINT ATTACK, ESPECIALLY IN YOUR TOE, DON’T WAIT – EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT CAN HELP PREVENT LASTING DAMAGE.
How We Diagnose Gout
Because gout symptoms can mimic other joint problems, getting an accurate diagnosis is key. At Piedmont Arthritis Clinic, we use a multi-step approach:
We use a combination of:
MEDICAL HISTORY
Detailed history of your symptoms, diet, medications, and family history
PHYSICAL EXAM
Physical exam to assess affected joints and look for signs like tophi
JOINT FLUID ANALYSIS
Joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis): The gold standard—if fluid can be collected from a swollen joint, we examine it for uric acid crystals under a microscope
BLOODWORK
Blood tests to measure uric acid levels and check for signs of inflammation
IMAGING
Imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, may be used to assess joint damage or urate crystal buildup
Our team has the experience and tools to deliver a clear diagnosis—so you can get relief quickly and avoid future complications.
Treatment Options at Piedmont Arthritis
Gout is not only treatable—it’s manageable. We approach your care in two stages: fast relief during a flare and long-term control to prevent recurrence.
During a Flare:
NSAIDs
(prescription-strength) to reduce pain and swelling
Antigout Agents
to target the gout-specific inflammation
Steroids
(oral or injection) for quick relief if NSAIDs aren’t an option
Joint aspiration and steroid injection
for immediate, localized relief
Long-Term Management:
Urate-lowering therapies (ULTs)
like allopurinol or febuxostat to reduce uric acid levels
Biologic Therapy
for severe or treatment-resistant gout, administered in our on-site IV infusion suite
Lifestyle & Supportive Care:
Guidance on diet
(limiting high-purine foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol)
Hydration and weight management
Regular monitoring of uric acid levels
Support for consistent medication use
With the right plan, most patients see fewer attacks—or stop having them entirely.
Getting Started With Care
Piedmont Arthritis Clinic accepts new patients by referral only. If your provider suspects gout or you’ve experienced symptoms, ask them to send a referral to our office.
Appointments are usually scheduled 4 to 5 months out, but we do our best to accommodate urgent cases when needed.
Relief Is Possible
A gout flare can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to define your future. At Piedmont Arthritis Clinic, we combine compassionate care with clinical expertise to help you get relief now and prevent pain later.