Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing with Gout

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At NY Foot Health, we want patients to know that the term “arthritis” refers to over 100 conditions that affect your joints. One form that is more prevalent during the holiday season is gout. Sometimes referred to as gouty arthritis, this condition normally attacks a single big toe joint. Gout is a disorder that occurs because of a buildup of an excessive amount uric acid—a normal byproduct of some foods and a substance naturally found in the body. Uric acid can crystalize in a joint,and it is sensitive to cooler temperatures. Your big toe is susceptible because it is the part of the body farthest from the heart. Although men age 40-60 are the most frequent patients with gout, it can strike women or men at any age. Below are some tips to help you avoid and treat this condition.

Do: see your podiatrist as soon as possible if you believe you have suffered an attack of gout. If you need to find a podiatrist in your town, use our online directory. Symptoms include:

  • Intense pain in the joint, often coming on in the middle of the night

  • Redness

  • Warmth over the joint

  • Swelling

Don’t: over do it on foods that are high in purines. These include red meat, brandy, rich sauces, shellfish, organ meats, and red wine. These are foods often found on the menus at holiday feasts. Certain compounds in beans and lentils may also be triggers. If you have previously had an attack of gout you may want to avoid or limit your consumption of these foods.

Do: drink plenty of fluids to help flush uric acid out of your body. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, as this can cause dehydration.

Don’t: put off seeking treatment for gout. The foot doctor can help determine if there are other lifestyle or medical factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, surgery, chemotherapy, medications) that may increase your risk for gout. There are preventive medications as well that can reduce your chances for another attack.

To learn more about other forms of arthritis and how to improve the health of your feet, contact us.

 

 

 

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