What Triggers Gout?
You enjoyed a delicious dinner of fresh shellfish—shrimp, clams, mussels. Later that night, you are awakened by severe pain and throbbing in your big toe. At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know a scenario like this is characteristic of gout. If it’s your first time experiencing gout, you’ll likely want to learn how to make it your last! An excellent way to prevent future attacks is by understanding what triggers gout for you.
Gout 101
Gout is a form of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in your body and then crystallizes in one or more joints. The place most often affected is the big toe. Besides extreme pain, other gout signs include redness, swelling, inflammation and a limited range of motion.
Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to elevated levels of uric acid in your body. These include:
Family history—if other members of your family have gout, you’re more likely to get it as well.
Diet—for many patients’ certain foods are what cause a gout flare. These include red meats, organ meats, shellfish, alcohol, beer, and beverages sweetened with fructose (fruit sugar).
Age and Sex—gout is more common in men ages 30 to 50, but women are also susceptible after menopause.
Weight—when you are overweight, your body produces more uric acid, and your kidneys have a more challenging time getting rid of it.
Medical conditions and medicines—certain diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, and kidney disease elevate your risk for gout. Medications to treat hypertension and anti-rejection drugs given to organ transplant patients can also put you at greater risk. Receiving a vaccine may also trigger an attack in some people.
Surgery or trauma—a gout flare can occur after a surgery or other trauma to the body.
If you suspect you’ve had a gout attack, make an appointment at our Hudson office (727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799) so that our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can examine your toe and determine the best course of treatment.