Can Gout cause long term damage?

Can Gout cause long term damage?I have been suffering from Gout for a few years now. I've been to the Dr for it and basically his recommendation was to prescribe Mobic and tell me to change my diet, less red meat, less beer, etc.

I don't drink beer anymore, but still have a somewhat bad diet (at least for Gout). I like seafood, steak...all the high purine foods. My flare ups occur every couple of months and it's really bad for a few days.

It affects my big toe on the left foot and when I stand with my feet together, the right foot has a smooth line on the instep. The left foot has a severe curve to it when it looks like uric acid has built up a nice little home there. If you bend your pointer finger, it kind of looks like your knuckle sticking out of my instep by the left big toe.

Is this something I need to get checked out, maybe surgery to remove whatever is causing that deformity?

Thanks

rk s
Yes,gout can cause long term damage i.e. bone deformity besides pain and discomfort.Give up the food items rich in producing uric acid as per your doctor's advice.Surgery is not the answer but food restrictions and medicine is.Get your blood test done regularly,take medicine during exacerbation for the recommended period,stop it during remission period and to prevent exacerbation again,stick to the dietary recommendations and exercises.

What do you think? Answer below! Gout - information, symptoms and treatments. Googout.info health information factsheet - advice on gout and its symptoms, causes and treatment, plus prevention through diet.

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