WHAT IS GOUT?
Have you been awakened at night by a hot, painful feeling in your big toe or ankle? Did the painful joint appear swollen and red (inflamed)? These can be symptoms of a gout attack.
Gout is a disease that affects the joints. Left untreated, it can lead to painful foot deformity and even kidney problems. The good news is that by treating gout early, you can relieve pain and help prevent future problems.
Gout can usually be treated with medication and proper diet. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
The most common area for gout to appear is the base of the big toe.
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid (a waste product made by the body). The uric acid forms crystals that collect in the joints, bringing on a gout attack. If you have many gout attacks, crystals may form large deposits called tophi. Tophi can damage joints and cause deformity.
Gout often shows as an inflamed joint.
Men are more likely to have gout than women. But women can also be affected, mostly after menopause. Some health problems, such as obesity and high cholesterol, make gout more likely. And some medications, such as diuretics (“water pills”), can trigger a gout attack.
People who drink a lot of alcohol are at high risk for gout. Certain foods can also trigger a gout attack.
Some Foods that trigger a Gout Attack
- Alcohol (beer, red wine)
- Certain meats (red meat, processed meat, turkey)
- Organ meats (kidney, liver, sweetbread)
- Shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp, scallop, mussel)
- Certain fish (anchovy, sardine, herring, mackerel)
Your doctor will ask you questions about where and how often you feel pain. He or she will also ask about your diet, medications, and how much alcohol you drink.
Your doctor will examine your feet for signs of gout. Signs include redness, heat, and swelling.
X-rays may be taken to check for tophi or changes in your bones. If needed, your doctor may use a syringe to take some fluid from your joint. This fluid will be analyzed for uric crystals. Your doctor may also take a blood sample to look for uric acid.
Gout attacks are painful and often happen more than once. Taking medications may reduce pain and prevent attacks in the future. There are also some things you can do at home to relieve symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe a daily long-term control medication to reduce levels of uric acid. This may help prevent gout attacks. Other medications can help relieve pain and swelling during an attack. Be sure to take your medication as directed.
Remember that foot pain is not normal. Healthy, pain-free feet are a key to your independence. At the first sign of pain, or any noticeable changes in your feet, seek professional podiatric medical care. Your feet must last a lifetime, and most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Remember that the advice provided in this page should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or evaluation by a podiatric physician.
Disclaimer: Portions of this web page were copied from the American Podiatric Medical Association's (apma.org) web site. NEOFASA, Inc. makes no claims as to being the orginial author of some portions of this web page. Please feel free to visit the apma.org web site for further infomation on this subject.
