top of page

Gout

Elite Rheumatology Logo

Elite Rheumatology and Arthritis Center
Dr. Sumalatha Nandikonda, MD
1727 Orlando Central Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32809
Phone/Text: 407-888-5980

Fax: 4078882492

“Please note that Elite Rheumatology and Arthritis Center operates under the legal business name 
Sunshine Specialty Healthcare LLC”.

What is Gout? 

Gout is a common and painful form of inflammatory arthritis that develops when excess uric acid in the blood forms sharp crystals inside the joints. These crystals trigger sudden and severe inflammation, most often affecting the big toe. Without timely Gout Treatment in Orlando, repeated attacks can lead to chronic joint damage and reduced mobility.

Gout flare-ups often occur unexpectedly and can significantly impact daily life, making early diagnosis and care from the best doctors for gout treatment essential.

Common Symptoms of Gout

Gout symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen rapidly, often at night. Seeking Gout Treatment  at the first sign of symptoms can prevent complications.

  • Intense joint pain that begins abruptly

  • Swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint

  • Extreme tenderness, even to light touch

  • Reduced joint movement during flare-ups

Many patients searching for a rheumatologist specializing in gout near me experience recurring attacks without proper long-term care.
 

Joints Commonly Affected by Gout

While gout can affect multiple joints, some areas are more prone to uric acid crystal buildup:

  • Big toe (most frequently affected)

  • Ankles

  • Knees

  • Fingers

  • Elbows

Advanced Gout Treatment in Orlando focuses on preventing the spread of inflammation to multiple joints.

Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding the cause is a key part of effective Gout Treatment.

Common risk factors include:

  • High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia)

  • Diet rich in red meat, seafood, and sugary beverages

  • Alcohol intake, especially beer

  • Obesity and metabolic conditions

  • Family history of gout

  • Certain medications such as diuretics
     

A consultation with the best doctors for gout treatment helps identify personal risk factors and triggers.

 

How Gout Is Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis ensures the right treatment plan and helps rule out similar conditions such as pseudogout.

Diagnostic methods include:

  • Blood tests to measure uric acid levels

  • Joint fluid analysis to detect uric acid crystals

  • Imaging tests like ultrasound or X-ray
     

In some cases, symptoms may resemble calcium crystal arthritis, making Pseudogout treatment in Orlando an important consideration during evaluation.

Gout Treatment Options

Medications for Gout

Medical management is the foundation of Gout Treatment in Orlando, especially during acute attacks.

Common medications include:

  • NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) for pain and inflammation

  • Colchicine to reduce acute flare severity

  • Corticosteroids for patients unable to take NSAIDs

  • Uric acid–lowering medications like allopurinol or febuxostat
     

Long-term care by a rheumatologist specializing in gout near me helps prevent frequent flare-ups.

Lifestyle and Dietary Management

In addition to medications, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in successful Gout Treatment :

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight

  • Avoiding purine-rich foods such as organ meats and shellfish

  • Drinking plenty of water

  • Limiting alcohol consumption

These steps also support recovery for patients receiving Pseudogout treatment in Orlando.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the earliest signs of a gout attack?
Gout typically begins with a sudden, "burning" pain in the big toe or ankle, often peaking at night. You will notice visible swelling, intense redness, and a joint that is so tender even the weight of a bedsheet is excruciating.
 

2. How do you confirm a gout diagnosis in-house?
We provide a definitive giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria (comparative to gout standards) by performing in-house joint fluid analysis and rapid blood work. Our on-site labs measure uric acid levels instantly to distinguish gout from other conditions like pseudogout or infection.
 

3. What are "Biological Therapies" for advanced gout?
When oral giant cell arteritis medications or standard gout pills fail, we offer advanced biological infusions like Krystexxa. These therapies work by actively breaking down years of crystal buildup (tophi), providing a "reset" for patients with chronic, uncontrolled gout.
 

4. Do I need to go to a hospital for my gout infusion?
No. We offer comfortable, in-house infusion services right here in our clinic, allowing you to receive advanced treatment in a familiar environment. Our specialized nursing staff monitors you throughout the process to ensure safety and comfort without the hospital wait.
 

5. Why choose Elite Rheumatology for gout treatment in Orlando?
Elite Rheumatology is the premier choice for gout treatment in Orlando because we combine rapid diagnostics, in-house labs, and cutting-edge infusion therapy under one roof. Book your consultation to start a personalized plan that targets the root cause of your pain.

Experiencing joint pain or swelling? Gout is manageable with the right care. Contact us today.

Ready to get started?

  Reach out to us

Dr. Sumalatha Nandikonda brings extensive experience in treating a wide range of rheumatologic conditions. At Elite Rheumatology and Arthritis Center, we are committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s needs.

For educational purposes, we have listed a few of the common conditions we treat on our website.If you don’t see your condition listed, please contact us directly—we’re happy to discuss how we can help.

Please note that Elite Rheumatology and Arthritis Center operates under the legal business name Sunshine Specialty Healthcare LLC.

Dr. Nandikonda brings a wealth of clinical experience, having worked as a hospitalist for eight years, followed by three years in a rheumatology clinic. To further enhance her expertise, she pursued a two-year fellowship under Top rheumatologists in Orlando, Florida. After completing her advanced training, Dr. Nandikonda founded Elite Rheumatology and Arthritis Center with the mission of providing high-quality, compassionate rheumatologic care to the Orlando and Central Florida community.”

bottom of page