Gout pain and inflammation can happen out of nowhere, making even routine activities hard to do. At Allegheny Health Network (AHN), we provide fast symptom relief and an action plan to manage your symptoms long term.
Our rheumatologists have decades of experience diagnosing gout and a successful track record of treating people with different forms of the condition. With nine locations across western Pennsylvania and on-site testing at certain offices, we’re making it easier than ever for you to feel better.
Gout is a type of arthritis. It is also a rheumatic disease, which means it affects the musculoskeletal system (made up of your muscles, bones, joints, and other connective tissue).
Gout happens when crystals develop in your joints. High levels of uric acid in the blood cause these crystals to form. Wherever the crystals form (such as in your legs), you can experience sudden, sharp pain and other types of discomfort.
Our rheumatology care team has extensive experience in caring for people with many different types of gout. This background helps us better pinpoint a diagnosis and tailor treatments to your needs. You’ll benefit from our:
Our care team includes rheumatologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who have received a high level of training in rheumatology diagnosis and treatment. Our providers are board-certified in rheumatology care, and many have received additional training (fellowship). Their knowledge allows us to care for the most difficult-to-treat gout cases.
Physicians diagnose gout and similar conditions by looking for fluid buildup in a swollen joint. We offer comprehensive testing services, including digital X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and synovial crystal analysis.
During synovial crystal analysis, we remove a sample of fluid from your affected joint to analyze it under a microscope. This specialized gout diagnostic test is not widely available. At AHN, we can perform it on site at certain locations. This helps us provide a fast diagnosis and save you time.
If you have gout, your care team will develop a treatment plan for you. Gout medications work to relieve your pain or prevent symptoms from happening in the future.
At AHN, our physicians are actively involved in research efforts studying rheumatic diseases. This work helps us offer the most effective gout treatments sooner.
Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN rheumatology services.
