Pain is too much.

[Heroldness]

I was diagnosed with gout in December, although it looks like I may have been suffering with it for a few years before this even though test for uric acid levels were showing normal. Now the pain in my right heel is really getting to me and is affecting the way I live. I have to do something about this pain and now!!!!!!!!Spring is coming, I have gardens to plant, flower beds to weed and lawns to mow. I also have huge plans with my husband to do short 4 or 5 day camping trips all over our state. At this rate I see none of these things happening. Already I can't do so many things I'm used to doing, shopping, walking my dogs, and any exercising that involves standing. It's my right heel and now my left hip is beginning to really hurt which makes me wonder if the way I'm trying to walk hasn't now affected that hip. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow but I don't get the feeling he really knows a lot about gout. I've learned more on the internet than I have from him. I think I'm going to ask for a referral to a specialist. But what kind, a foot doctor or one that specializes in arthritis??????

[thurstonb]

Hi there

I don't have a lot of faith in specialists when it comes to gout. Or doctors. Grrrr.

When I started getting gout in my ankles, after several bouts in my toes, I went to the doctor and told her (she was a locum) that I thought I had gout. She didn't think so, so referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon. He did various tests etc, but never managed to diagnose gout. He sent me to a podiatrist who also missed the gout and gave me orthotic inserts for my shoes.

Long story short... after many months I finally saw my own doctor and he immediately suspected gout. By this time it was in my elbow as well. And he treated it. I made some big lifestyle changes (including finally overcoming my addiction to alcohol), and I've been gout free since.

So... as to your question.. I think you want to be seeing an arthritis specialist, or rhematologist. Not an orthopaedic. But that's just based on my own experience.

Of course I could have just been unlucky.

Brett

[Gout Hurts]

Ask for referral to a rheumatolgist.