Gout Treatment

Delta Medical Clinic

Internists located in Burleson, TX

Gout treatment can help reduce flares and allow patients to maintain daily activity levels. Dr. Kofo Ekadi, an internist who serves the Burleson, Texas, area, offers gout treatment at Delta Medical Clinic.

817-310-9778

Gout Treatment Q & A

What is Gout?

Gout, inflammatory arthritis, occurs when uric acid levels in the blood increase. Men over age 30 are the most likely candidates, although postmenopausal women can also develop gout. It is more likely to occur in people who have a strong family history of the condition or in people who have kidney disease, which affects uric acid secretion. Gout can cause joint destruction as it progresses.

What Are the Symptoms of Gout?

One of the first signs of gout is deposits of uric acid that develop in the joints, cartilage, bones and under the skin (those under the skin may be visible) due to high uric acid levels in the blood. These deposits, known as tophi, may occur as much as 10 years before a person with gout has any other symptoms. It's not unusual for the first obvious sign of gout to be an acute attack -- often very painful. Although other joints can be involved, gout often appears first in a big toe. Other gout symptoms include fatigue, headache, and chills, especially at night.

What Causes Gout?

Family history is significant in gout, which suggests that genetics play a role. People who are obese or who have metabolic syndrome (a condition that often co-exists with obesity and is considered a pre-diabetic condition) have an increased risk of gout. Heavy alcohol use and a diet high in red meat and seafood are lifestyle factors that seem to influence the risk a susceptible patient will develop gout. As far as the alcohol is concerned, wine doesn't seem to be as important a factor as beer.

What is the Usual Gout Treatment?

Gout is not a curable condition; it must be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. In an acute attack, a medication called colchicine is used to help lower uric acid levels. Pain and inflammation must also be treated during a gout attack; medications may be prescription or over the counter. Long-term gout treatment usually includes the medication allopurinol to lower uric acid levels. Patients are advised to limit red meat and seafood, and limit or eliminate alcohol.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

At Delta Medical Clinic, we accept most major insurance plans. Self pay patients are welcome. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. For inquiries on specific insurance plans or pricing, please contact our office.

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Testimonials

Words from our patients

"I cannot say enough good about this physician. She is the best primary care physician I have ever met and I am a registered nurse."

Eunice D.
"What I like best about Dr. Ekadi is that she is thorough, she also takes the time to listen and explain what I sometimes don't understand."

Cathy H.
"She is a warm, caring, compassionate physician. She gives you a reassuring feeling about your health."

Sandra W.
"I love Dr. Ekadi! She is the best doctor I have ever had. She is always smiling. Dr. Ekadi always knows what to say, and what is wrong with me."

Elizabeth V.
"I like Dr. Ekadi's personal attention with her patients. I love that I get detailed feedback and that I can get same day appointments with her."

Edna P.
"Obviously she's a super doctor! For her it's not just about business; it's about patient care and well being of her patients."

Rhonda P.
"She is concerned about her patients. She listens to and explains patients' diagnosis. She is a great doctor all the way around."

Martha G.
"Takes her time to answer all the questions I have. She is patient, and focuses on the sickness of the patient to control what the person has."

Eva P.
"Takes her time to answer all the questions I have. She is patient, and focuses on the sickness of the patient to control what the person has."

Eva P.