Gout is a painful and common form of inflammatory arthritis known for its sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. Understanding the symptoms of gout is the first step toward seeking effective gout treatment and preventing future flare-ups. A related but distinct condition, pseudogout, can present with similar symptoms, making an accurate diagnosis from a qualified specialist essential.
Bay Area Rheumatology specializes in diagnosing and managing all forms of crystal-induced arthritis, including both gout and pseudogout. Our team of board-certified rheumatologists provides cutting-edge, compassionate care to patients across the Tampa and St. Petersburg metro areas from our offices in Clearwater and Oldsmar.
As leading gout specialists near you, we are dedicated to providing advanced gout disease treatment and advocating for our patients to ensure access to the most effective therapies. If you're searching for a gout doctor or need gout treatment near you, we invite you to request an appointment with our expert team today.
Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, a condition where there is too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down purines, which are substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods. When uric acid levels become too high, it can form sharp, needle-like crystals in and around the joints. These crystals trigger an intense inflammatory response, leading to the classic symptoms of gout.
A gout attack, or flare, often happens suddenly, frequently at night. The most common signs include:
Various factors contribute to creating common gout causes, including diet, obesity, certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, and genetics.
While both conditions are types of crystal arthritis that cause painful joint inflammation, gout and pseudogout are caused by different types of crystals. As mentioned, gout is caused by monosodium urate crystals. Pseudogout, on the other hand, is caused by calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals. The symptoms can be very similar, with sudden attacks of pain and swelling in the joints. However, pseudogout more commonly affects larger joints like the knees and wrists.
Because the symptoms overlap, a definitive diagnosis by a gout doctor is crucial for proper management. This often involves joint fluid analysis, where fluid is drawn from the inflamed joint and examined under a microscope to identify the specific type of crystal present. An accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the correct pseudogout treatment or gout disease treatment.
Effective gout treatment has two main goals: treating the acute attack and preventing future flares by lowering uric acid levels. To manage a painful flare, your doctor may recommend medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or corticosteroids. These help reduce pain and inflammation quickly.
For long-term management, especially for those with chronic gout or frequent flares, your rheumatologist will focus on a gout disease treatment plan to lower your body's uric acid levels. This often involves daily oral medications that either help your body remove uric acid or reduce its production.
For severe, refractory cases of gout that don't respond to standard therapies, we offer advanced infusion therapy options, such as Krystexxa® (pegloticase), in our comfortable, state-of-the-art infusion suites in Clearwater and Oldsmar.
When looking for gout specialists near you, expertise and patient-focused care are paramount. Bay Area Rheumatology is a leader in rheumatologic care in Florida. Our providers are nationally recognized experts who are involved in clinical research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and help educate the next generation of rheumatologists. This deep involvement ensures we offer the most current and effective gout treatment plans available.
We are fierce patient advocates, fighting insurance denials and navigating prior authorizations to make sure you get the care you need. Our practice is built on a foundation of compassionate care and providing patients from Palm Harbor to Largo with quick access to appointments. When you choose us, you are choosing a partner dedicated to managing your condition and improving your quality of life.
While the management of an acute flare of pseudogout is similar to that of gout—using NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and swelling—the long-term pseudogout treatment strategy differs. Unlike gout, there are no specific medications that eliminate the calcium pyrophosphate crystals that cause pseudogout. Therefore, long-term management focuses on managing symptoms, reducing the frequency of attacks, and addressing any underlying medical conditions that might contribute to the crystal formation, such as thyroid issues or mineral imbalances. Your rheumatologist at Bay Area Rheumatology will create a personalized plan to control your symptoms effectively.
Taking control of your joint pain is simple. Bay Area Rheumatology is committed to providing fast and easy access to our specialists. We offer convenient online scheduling, allowing you to book your visit without delay. Our team is ready to provide the expert diagnosis and compassionate care you deserve to manage your gout or pseudogout. We look forward to seeing you at one of our Tampa-area clinics and helping you get back to living comfortably.
The primary cause of gout is a high level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). This can be due to the body producing too much uric acid or the kidneys not excreting enough. Risk factors include a diet high in purines (red meat, certain seafood), alcohol consumption, obesity, high blood pressure, and a family history of gout.
While there is no cure that completely eliminates gout, it is a highly manageable condition. With the right gout disease treatment, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively control uric acid levels, prevent future attacks, and avoid long-term joint damage.
Untreated gout can lead to more frequent and severe attacks. Over time, it can cause permanent damage to the joints, destroy cartilage, and lead to chronic arthritis. Collections of urate crystals, called tophi, can also form under the skin, in the joints, and in other tissues, causing further damage and deformity.
Both conditions can cause significant pain and joint damage if not properly managed. The long-term complications can be similar, including chronic inflammatory arthritis. Seeking an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan from a rheumatologist is essential for both conditions.