What will the Foot Doctor do for Gout in the Big Toe Joint?
Your doctor visit will begin with the doctor taking a complete medical history to make sure he/she has the full story. A physical exam will be performed. X-rays of the foot and toes will also be taken to further evaluate the condition and make sure that there is no risk for other less common, but dangerous conditions (such as a foot fracture, bone infection or bacterial infection that produces gas in the tissues). Although MRI, CT scan, Ultrasound and bone scans can all be performed to get more detail than can be seen on x-ray, it is usually not needed. MRI shows inflammation much better than an X-Ray, but MRI is usually only done if an infection, fracture or dislocated joint is suspected. Sometimes it is necessary to perform blood tests to see if the White Blood Cell count is elevated and determine kidney function before starting treatment.
