Gout doctor near me

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Gout treatment

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How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, often at the base of the big toe. It stems from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form hard crystals in and around the joints. Beyond its immediate discomfort, gout can progress and cause lasting damage if untreated. Its prevalence has been increasing globally, affecting millions of individuals and closely tying with dietary habits and lifestyle choices.

Causes

Gout results from the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints, a byproduct of purine metabolism. Purines are found naturally in your body and in certain foods like steak, organ meats, and seafood. Other contributing factors include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption (especially beer), high fructose intake, certain medications like diuretics, and underlying health conditions like high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Genetics also play a crucial role in an individual's susceptibility to gout.

Signs and symptoms

- Intense joint pain, starting typically in the big toe, but can also affect knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and fingers - Lingering discomfort after the severe pain subsides - Inflammation and redness, the affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm, and red - Limited range of motion in the affected joints over time

Diagnosing Gout

Diagnosing gout involves a review of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and specific tests. These tests can include joint fluid tests (where fluid from your affected joint is drawn and examined under a microscope for urate crystals), blood tests (to measure the level of uric acid in your blood), and imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or dual-energy CT scans to detect urate crystals in joints or to rule out other causes of joint inflammation.

Prevention and natural treatment

Preventing and treating gout predominantly focuses on lifestyle modifications and natural remedies aimed at lowering uric acid levels. Functional medicine emphasizes a personalized approach, taking into account an individual’s unique health profile. Prevention includes: - Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps reduce the risk of crystal formation. - Diet: Limiting intake of purine-rich foods, reducing alcohol consumption, especially beer, and avoiding foods and beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. - Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of gout flare-ups. Treatment in functional medicine includes: - Anti-inflammatory diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help reduce inflammation. - Supplements: Certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, cherries, and cherry extract have been found to lower uric acid levels and reduce the frequency of gout attacks. - Herbal remedies: Herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and nettle leaf can offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Above all, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to create a tailored plan that suits one’s health needs and lifestyle, complementing these natural approaches with medical advice.

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