Gout: An Unwanted Holiday Visitor
It was a night of holiday feasting and fun. Shrimp cocktail to start, then a delicious roast beef dinner served with a wonderful red wine and capped off with a snifter of brandy. In the middle of the night, however, you wake up with excruciating pain throbbing in your big toe, which feels hot and swollen. At Paso-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we hear many similar scenarios at this time of year, and they are the classic presentation of gout.
What’s Behind an Attack?
Gout occurs when an abnormal buildup of uric acid in the body settles and crystallizes in the joints and tissues of the body. The most common site for gout is the big toe. The toe is the coolest part of the body because it’s the farthest from the heart. It is partly because uric acid is more likely to crystallize in lower temperatures.
Foods that are high in a chemical called purines are known to elevate uric acid levels in the body, which can lead to a gout attack. Unfortunately, many of these foods are on holiday menus. They include shellfish, red meat, organ meats, beer, red wine, and brandy. Although foods can trigger an attack, several possible factors increase your risk for this condition. They include:
Being a male 40-60 years of age (although gout also occurs in younger and older ages in both men and women)
Family history of gout
High blood pressure
Obesity
Surgery or chemotherapy
Stress
Certain medications and vitamins
Treating Gout
If you believe you’ve suffered an attack of gout, it’s important that you contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will examine the painful joint and ask questions about your medical history and recent activities. The foot doctor may also order x-rays or lab tests to rule out other causes of inflammation. If gout is diagnosed, the podiatrist will prescribe a course of treatment that is best suited for you. First, the foot doctor will help relieve the pain and swelling caused by the inflammation with medication or injections. He may recommend that you avoid certain foods and stay well hydrated to help flush uric acid from the body.
If gout is a recurring problem, the podiatrist may prescribe a medication to help prevent future attacks. To learn more, contact us today.