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I woke up and can barely walk because of severe swelling and pain in my big toe. Do I have an infection, or is this arthritis?
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The disease is tied to uric acid. Normally, uric acid can be broken down by your body, keeping overall levels low. Sometimes uric acid levels become too high, and monosodium urate crystals are deposited in joints, kidneys, and soft tissues. Deposits of these crystals can result in the presence of gout disease, causing pain, swelling, inflammation, cellulitis, fever, and even the destruction of joints once the disease becomes chronic.
Gout is easy to treat, and medications are available to keep the condition from worsening. Patients can help reduce the risk for an acute attack of gout by avoiding excessive red meat and seafood, avoiding alcohol, and asking to be taken off diuretic medications, if taking them.
Kelly Ellis, M.D.
Faith Regional Family
Medicine Services
Medical Offices North, Suite 2
Norfolk, NE 68701
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