Gout or Oh My Aching Toe!
This post holiday season always brings its share of aches and pains; tired feet and legs from shopping, indigestion from over consuming, and sore joints from gout attacks.
Gout, a metabolic disease, is caused by the inability of the body to break down certain types of proteins called purines, allowing these purines, called uric acid, to reach a certain elevation in the blood. They are deposited into the joints, usually those joints which are most active, such as the great toe. Accumulation in the joints damages the smooth articular cartilage and becomes gouty arthritis.
Acute gout is often characterized by severe pain, redness, heat and swelling over a joint. It occurs spontaneously. The joint becomes painful to move. Pseudogout, a condition causing the uric acid level to become more concentrated when water is pulled off the body, creates the same effect as gout. This occurs occasionally in patients with high blood pressure who take water pills.
Acute gout attacks affecting the feet and ankles are often diagnosed and treated at our Foot & Ankle Centers of Excellence by oral medication and immobilization. A good complete check up by your internist or primary care physician should follow. Call one of our three locations for an appointment.
Turkey, is high in purines, as well as sweetbreads, cabbage and other commonly used foods eaten during the holiday season. Avoiding these and other foods high in purines will help to prevent gout. Be sure to enjoy sugary beverages and snacks in moderation, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol as well. A Purine Diet List is available at our office upon request.
