Gout is a painful type of arthritis. It happens when too much uric acid builds up in the body and forms crystals in a joint. Flares often start suddenly, sometimes at night, and most often hit the big toe. Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, evaluates and treats gout flares. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
Walk in or check in online at our Westmont, IL clinic when a joint suddenly becomes hot, red and swollen.
The CDC and MedlinePlus describe gout flares as:
Risk is higher in men and in people with a family history of gout, obesity, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes or kidney problems. Alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks, red meat, organ meats, some seafood and certain water pills can raise uric acid.
Your clinician examines the joint and asks about your history, diet and medicines. We can run on-site lab tests, such as a uric acid level, to help confirm gout and rule out other causes. If a fracture or joint damage is a concern, X-ray imaging is available at our main clinic on Cass Ave.
Treatment focuses on easing the flare. Options can include anti-inflammatory medicines, rest and icing the joint. We also talk about steps that can help prevent future flares, such as limiting alcohol and purine-rich foods, staying active and managing weight. Long-term uric acid control is usually managed with your primary care doctor.
A hot, swollen joint with fever or chills can be a sign of a joint infection, which needs urgent care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for:
Adults come to us for joint pain from Darien, IL, Burr Ridge, IL, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Woodridge, IL and Hinsdale, IL. Burr Ridge is about 4.4 miles southeast of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line). We are open Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM and Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM at both Westmont, IL locations.
Most major plans are accepted, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, USAMCO and State of Illinois Benefit Plans. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm. See our insurance and cost page for details, or our self-pay urgent care pricing, with general visits from $125.
Yes. The big toe is most common, but the CDC notes any joint can be affected.
Diet changes can help lower the risk of flares, but some people also need long-term medicine. Talk with your doctor.
Usually not, but joint pain with fever needs prompt care to rule out infection.
No. Walk in or check in online.
Sources: CDC: Gout, MedlinePlus: Gout.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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