Foot Facts: Gout

 

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. An acute attack of gout can wake you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of a bedsheet may seem intolerable.

 

Symptoms:

• Acute pain in the big toe joint

• Swelling of the big joint

• Skin over big toe joint becomes shiny or glossy

 

Caused By:

• Increased uric acid in bloodstream

• Obesity

• High alcohol intake

 

Recommendations:

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Rest and elevate feet

• Weight loss

• Work with a dietitian to lower purine intake, such as avoiding organ meats, anchovies, herring, asparagus and mushrooms