Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing with Gout

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we often see an increase in the number of patients suffering from gout at this time of the year. One reason for this is the abundance of rich foods found on holiday menus that can trigger an attack of this arthritic condition. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in a joint and crystallizes. While it can affect any joint in your body, the most common site is your big toe. Below are some helpful tips about this painful condition.

Do: seek medical treatment if you’re experiencing gout for the first time. In addition to the extreme pain, your toe will likely be red and swollen. The joint may also feel warm. Contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 and arrange an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, to confirm a gout diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment.

Don’t: rule out gout if you’re under 40. Although this condition most frequently strikes men between the ages of 40 and 60, it can occur in younger men and women.

Do: watch your diet if you’ve had gout before. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, a chemical naturally found in your body and certain foods. These foods include red meat, shellfish, rich sauces, brandy, beer, and red wine. You may need to limit your intake of these foods or eliminate them from your diet entirely if they result in gout.

Do: work with the podiatrist to track down other possible risk factors for developing gout. In addition to diet, there are several other potential underlying causes such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, chemotherapy, surgery, and stress.

Do: go over your list of medications and vitamins with the foot doctor. Aspirin, certain diuretic medicines, and the vitamin niacin, for example, may all hinder your body’s ability to remove uric acid.

Don’t: forget to drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day. It will help flush uric acid from your body.

Do: stay off the affected foot while still in pain and try to elevate it whenever possible. Doing this will help reduce swelling.

If you have additional questions about gout, contact us today.