Best Gout Doctors in South Carolina
Treatment in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC
Gout can be a painful condition that occasionally requires collaborative care between rheumatologists, orthopedists, and neurologists to increase the patient’s quality of life. Some patients with gout may only experience one or two flares their whole lives, while others may have painful recurrent problems.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that develops suddenly, causing severe pain and swelling in one or more joints. Gout is commonly caused by a buildup of uric acid, a natural bodily waste product, in the joints. Too much uric acid causes crystals to form in the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling. A rheumatologist typically treats gout, but orthopedic and neurologic care is sometimes recommended.
Signs and Symptoms of Gout
While gout can affect any joint, it’s most commonly found at the end of the limbs in the fingers, toes, ankles, and knees. Gout symptoms may last for three to ten days and subside; this is called a “gout attack”. Symptoms of a gout attack include:
- The joint is hot and tender
- Shiny, red skin over the inflamed joint
- Swelling around the joints
- Severe pain in one or more joint
- Fever
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Gout attacks tend to follow a pattern of symptoms, developing suddenly over a few hours. Symptoms tend to occur at night, although they can happen anytime. Gout attacks can become more frequent over time if not addressed. Gout can be effectively treated with medication and lifestyle changes, pain relief, and self-care.
Neurology and Gout
A rheumatologist or your primary physician will help you manage gout. Still, gout patients may benefit from seeing a neurologist for pain management to help with gout-induced neuropathy caused by compression and irritation where the peripheral nerves that send signals between the brain and the central nervous system can be affected and cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Orthopedics and Gout
A rheumatologist or your primary physician will help you manage gout. Still, gout patients may benefit from seeing a neurologist for pain management to help with gout-induced neuropathy caused by compression and irritation where the peripheral nerves that send signals between the brain and the central nervous system can be affected and cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Orthopedic and Neurologist in South Carolina
An orthopedist and neurologist can help collaborate with a rheumatologist to coordinate care for patients suffering from gout to help create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses joint health, nerve health, and overall health so gout attacks don’t result in long-term joint or nerve damage.
How to Make an Appointment With Gout Specialist at Carolina Orthopedic and Neurologic Consultants
At Carolina Orthopedic and Neurologic Consultants, we’re here for our patients. Consult your primary care physician or family doctor for a referral to one of our Neurology or Orthopedic Specialists if you or a family member struggle with joint and nerve pain associated with gout. In tandem with other treatments overseen by a rheumatologist, we can help patients struggling with severe gout symptoms. All appointments are available by referral only. We serve patients from Spartanburg, SC, Duncan, SC, and Greenville, SC.