Conditions We Treat in Clifton, NJ
Gout Treatment in Clifton, NJ
Gout treatment in Clifton, NJ with Dr. Marc Haspel addresses gout flares and the joint damage they can cause. Sudden, intense pain, redness and swelling in the big toe joint may be gout.
Thursday & Saturday Hours
Open until 6 pm Thursdays and 9 am–12 pm on alternate Saturdays
Understanding Gout
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. The uric acid can form sharp crystals in a joint, which leads to sudden attacks of pain and swelling. The joint at the base of the big toe is the most common place for a gout attack.
Attacks often come on quickly, sometimes overnight. Repeated attacks over time can damage the joint.
Dr. Marc Haspel, DPM
Board-certified podiatric physician & surgeon
Know the Signs
Gout: Symptoms & Causes
Understanding what you are feeling, and why, is the first step toward the right care.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, intense pain in a joint, often the big toe
- Redness, warmth and swelling
- Tenderness so severe that even a bedsheet hurts
- Stiffness and limited movement in the joint
Causes & Risk Factors
Common Causes
Gout develops when too much uric acid builds up in the body and forms crystals in a joint.
Risk Factors
- Family history of gout
- Diets high in red meat, shellfish or sugary drinks
- Alcohol, especially beer
- Certain medications and health conditions
- Dehydration
When Should You See a Doctor?
Make an appointment if you have sudden pain, redness and swelling in a toe or other joint. A hot, swollen joint with a fever can be a sign of infection and needs care right away. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Diagnosis
Dr. Haspel examines the joint, reviews your symptoms, health history and medications, and may order tests or imaging to confirm gout and rule out other causes of joint pain.
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment
Treatment during an attack focuses on relieving pain and swelling and protecting the joint. Footwear changes and padding can take pressure off a sore toe. Because gout affects the whole body, ongoing care with your primary care doctor can help lower the chance of future attacks.
Surgical Treatment
When repeated attacks have damaged a joint, Dr. Haspel may discuss surgery for arthritis and joint disease, performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery & Prevention
Recovery
Many gout attacks ease within days to a couple of weeks with treatment. Recovery varies from patient to patient.
Prevention Tips
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit alcohol and sugary drinks
- Limit red meat and shellfish
- Follow the treatment plan from your doctors
Next Steps
Schedule your visit
Call (973) 777-4650 or book online. Our Clifton office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am, Thursdays until 6 pm and alternate Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm.
Related pages
Your Visit
What to Expect
From your first appointment through follow-up care, here is how care for gout usually works at our Clifton, NJ office.
01
Consultation
Dr. Haspel examines your foot, reviews your symptoms and discusses your goals.
02
Treatment
Your plan focuses on easing the current attack and protecting the joint.
03
Follow-Up
Follow-up visits check the joint and help you lower the chance of future flare-ups.
Related Care
Related Conditions & Services
Gout symptoms can look like other joint problems, including arthritis and joint pain and bunions.
Arthritis & Joint Pain
Stiff, swollen or aching joints in the feet and ankles, managed with orthotics, bracing and surgery when needed.
Bunions
Padding, footwear changes and custom orthotics, with outpatient bunion surgery when a correction is needed.
Foot & Ankle Surgery
In-office minor procedures and outpatient surgery when conservative treatment has not relieved the problem.
Custom Orthotics, Shoes & Braces
Custom orthotic devices, shoe therapy and braces to correct biomechanical problems and support walking.
Board Certified
Podiatric surgery & podiatric medicine
Your Podiatrist
Why Choose Marc Haspel, DPM for Gout?
Dr. Marc Haspel treats patients for gout at our office in Clifton, NJ.
Dr. Marc Haspel is a board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon with more than 35 years of experience caring for patients throughout Northern New Jersey.
- Board certified in podiatric medicine and podiatric surgery
- More than 35 years of foot and ankle care experience
- Conservative care first, with surgery for joint damage when needed
- Convenient office on Clifton Avenue in Clifton, NJ
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Gout
Answers to common questions about care for gout at our Clifton, NJ office. Have another question? Our staff is happy to help.
What does a gout attack feel like?
Gout usually causes sudden, intense pain, redness, warmth and swelling in a joint, most often at the base of the big toe. Even light pressure, like a bedsheet, can hurt.
Why does gout affect the big toe?
Uric acid crystals tend to form in cooler joints farther from the center of the body, and the big toe joint is the most common site.
Can gout damage my joints?
Yes. Repeated attacks over time can damage the joint, so it is important to have flare-ups evaluated.
Should I see a podiatrist or my primary care doctor?
Both can help. Dr. Haspel evaluates and treats the painful foot or toe, and ongoing care with your primary care doctor can help manage uric acid levels.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare. Coverage varies by plan, so please call our office with questions about your benefits, referrals or pre-certification.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (973) 777-4650, use our online appointment request form or book with Dr. Haspel on Zocdoc. We’re open until 6 pm on Thursdays and from 9 am to 12 pm on alternate Saturdays.
More Ways We Can Help
Other Services at Our Clifton Office
Many foot and ankle problems overlap. These services are often part of the same care plan.
In-office minor procedures and outpatient surgery when conservative treatment has not relieved the problem.
Custom orthotic devices, shoe therapy and braces to correct biomechanical problems and support walking.
Heel pain is the most common complaint Dr. Haspel treats. Care starts with a conservative plan built around custom orthotics.
Book Your Visit
Ready to Get Help With Gout?
Schedule a visit with Dr. Haspel at our Clifton, NJ office. Call (973) 777-4650 or book online.
- 1100 Clifton Avenue, Suite C, Clifton, NJ 07013
- Mon–Fri from 9 am · Thu until 6 pm · Alt. Sat 9 am–12 pm
