Gout: 5 Risk Factors You Should Know
At NY Foot Health, we know many of our patients think of gout as an “old person” disease. The first thing you should know is that gout—or gouty arthritis as it is sometimes known—affects men ages 40 to 60 the most. However, younger, and older men and women are susceptible to this painful condition as well.
Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body which then settles and crystallizes in a joint—most often the one at the base of the big toe. This causes excruciating pain, swelling, redness, and heat around the joint that may be so severe that it’s difficult to bear weight on the affected foot. Below are five other factors that raise your risk of gout.
Diet—foods high in purines—a chemical compound associated with increased uric acid—occurs naturally in the body and are found in certain foods. These include red meat, organ meats, shellfish, rich sauces, brandy, and red wine.
Heredity—if your parents or siblings have had gout, your risk is greater.
Medical Conditions and Medications—diabetes, high, blood pressure, and having chemotherapy are all associated with higher rates of gout. Surgery may also drive up the risk. Certain medications such as diuretics and aspirin and some vitamins may decrease your body’s ability to effectively remove uric acid from the body.
Obesity—gout is more likely to strike someone who is overweight.
Stress—elevated levels of stress are shown to trigger gout attacks.
Treatment Options
Due to the wide range of potential triggers, there are several different approaches to preventing gout. The first step is to make an appointment with your podiatrist if you believe you have gout. Don’t currently have a podiatrist? You can locate one in your area by using our online directory. The foot doctor will examine your feet and specifically the site of the pain and inflammation. Imaging and other tests may also be ordered to rule out other podiatric conditions that can produce similar symptoms. If gout is diagnosed, the foot doctor will help you discover the triggers that you can control such as weight, stress, and diet. There are also medications available that can help manage recurring gout.
To learn more about gout and other conditions that affect your feet contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.