If you’ve never heard of gout or you have, but don’t know what it is, you’re not alone! Gout is a very painful form of arthritis that primarily affects the big toe joint in your foot. Over 3 million Americans are diagnosed each year. As the holidays roll in, we want to ensure our patients know as much as possible about gout, since the condition has a lot to do with what we eat!

What Is Gout?

So, we know gout is a type of arthritis. How does it develop? Gout happens when there’s an overabundance of uric acid in your body, which then crystallizes in your joints, blood, and tissues. We naturally produce uric acid in our bodies, but we can also get it from the foods we eat. Uric acid isn’t dangerous, but it can be when we have too much of it in our bodies.

Gout comes in flares and attacks, but also has periods of remission. Attacks can happen for up to a few hours, while flares last days to weeks. Gout usually occurs in one joint at a time, usually your big toe joint. Below are some signs you’re experiencing a gout flare or attack in your joints:

Intense pain
Redness
Inflammation
Reduced range of motion

How To Avoid Gout

The concern with gout is it can affect nearly everyone. However, some people are more at risk than others. Men between the ages of 40-60 are more likely to have gout. But you may develop this condition if you…

Are obese
Have certain health conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, poor kidney function, or metabolic syndrome
Take diuretics or niacin
Drink alcohol
Consume food or drinks that are high in sugar
Have a diet full of purines (red meat, organ meats, shellfish, red wine, beer)
Have a high-stress level

The best way to stay clear of gout is to have a conscious diet and avoid food high in purines. Losing weight and incorporating healthy exercise into your daily routine can also help!

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi, and his staff treat a range of conditions and are committed to providing results. To schedule an appointment, contact his office in Woodland Park, NJ, at 973-256-0002.