Did the Grinch Bring You Gout?

It is certainly the BEST time of the year (besides your birthday, of course). But for many, the Holiday’s can bring on a sudden case of GOUT…booo!

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid levels in the blood become too high (typically due to dietary intake) and start to crystallize. These crystals typically form in the coldest parts of the body which for most of us overnight is our feet and more specifically our big toe.

Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines (chemicals that are found naturally in our bodies and in food). Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating normal amounts of uric acid, while others produce too much of it.

Gout Symptoms

A gout attack can be miserable and very debilitating. Most individuals experience the following symptoms:

• Intense pain that comes on suddenly with no recent trauma
• Redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint—all signs of inflammation
• Inability to put pressure on the foot or stand without intense pain
• Inability to bend a joint without intense pain, such as the big toe or ankle.

How to Avoid/Get Rid of Gout

Gout flares will resolve on their own, however; it can sometimes take weeks if left untreated. Since gout is an inflammatory arthritis, it responds rapidly to cortisone which is a potent anti-inflammatory. A simple cortisone injection from one of our Doctors at Da Vinci Foot and Ankle can greatly eliminate your pain and get you on the mend!
Unfortunately, the longer term issue with gout is it’s counterpart, arthritis. With recurrent gout flairs, arthritis can set in and be extremely painful. Luckily, we can help fix that too. Custom molded orthotics are often all that is required to relieve the pressure from an arthritic joint and therefore help to alleviate your pain.

Food and Gout

Below is a list of foods to consider altering your diet with that can help prevent a gout attack. Da Vinci Foot & Ankle has compiled a list of foods to avoid and good foods to eat; download our complete list of recommended foods: Da Vinci Gout Instructions.

• Green vegetables and tomatoes
• Fruits
• Breads and cereals that are not whole-grain
•Butter, buttermilk, cheese, and eggs
•Chocolate and cocoa
• Coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages
• Peanut butter and nuts
• Cherries and Cherry Juice
• Potatoes, butternut squash and sweet potatoes

Enjoy your holidays, however; if you wake up with a sore foot, don’t fret! The GRINCH might have brought you GOUT but Da Vinci Foot and Ankle is prepared with every tool for your relief!
Happy Holidays Everyone!
You don’t have to live with pain. Da Vinci Foot and Ankle can help!CLICK HERE to book your next appointment at Da Vinci Foot and Ankle.

Lake Oconee, GA 706-999-9994

, GA 706-597-0102