Gout Treatment
Specialist diagnosis and management of gout affecting the foot. We help you manage acute attacks and prevent future flare-ups.
What is Gout?
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in joints. It classically affects the big toe joint (podagra) but can occur in any joint of the foot and ankle.
Gout attacks cause sudden, severe pain, often starting at night. The affected joint becomes red, hot, and extremely tender—even the weight of a bedsheet can be unbearable. With proper management, attacks can be treated quickly and prevented.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, severe joint pain (often at night)
- Intense redness and swelling
- Joint feels hot to touch
- Extreme tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that peaks within 12-24 hours
Common Causes
- High uric acid levels in blood
- Diet high in purines (red meat, shellfish)
- Alcohol consumption (especially beer)
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Certain medications (diuretics)
- Genetics and family history
How We Treat Gout
We can help diagnose gout attacks and provide acute treatment. For long-term management, we work with your GP to ensure proper uric acid control. We also address any foot complications from chronic gout.
Acute Attack Management
Anti-inflammatory treatment and joint offloading for rapid pain relief.
Footwear Advice
Comfortable, accommodative footwear during and between attacks.
Tophi Management
Care for gout deposits (tophi) that can cause skin problems or joint damage.
Referral for Urate-Lowering Therapy
Coordination with your GP for long-term medication to prevent attacks.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden severe joint pain and swelling
- Joint is red, hot, and extremely tender
- You've had gout before and it's recurring
- You notice lumps forming near joints (tophi)
- Pain isn't responding to over-the-counter treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gout at Lower Limb Clinic.
Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get Gout at our clinic, conveniently located in East Belfast
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
Newcastle Clinic
1 Shimna Road, BT33 0AS
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.
Get Expert Treatment
- Same-week appointments available
- No GP referral needed
- MSc-qualified specialists
Related Conditions
Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get Gout at our clinic, conveniently located in East Belfast
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
Newcastle Clinic
1 Shimna Road, BT33 0AS
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.