24 May What is the Main Cause of Gout?
Has an intense shooting pain shocked you out of bed at night? If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that, while not curable, can be managed to prevent future flare-ups. Here at Cherrywood Foot Care, we are experienced in helping patients with this condition and providing them with high-quality care.
What is Gout?
Gout is a variation of arthritis that causes pain in the joints. This pain most commonly affects the big toe. Gout can affect anyone and is characterized by sudden, excruciating pain in the joints. A gout attack can occur very suddenly. Here are the signs and symptoms to look for when it comes to this condition:
- Intense, sharp pain.
- Pain and discomfort that lingers.
- Redness and inflammation.
- Reduced range of motion.
What Causes Gout?
The leading cause of gout is hyperuricemia. This condition occurs when there is a significant buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is naturally made in the body when it breaks down purines. The buildup of uric acid causes crystals to build up in the joints and causes gout flare-ups. Making changes to your lifestyle can help reduce your gout pain and attacks. It is essential to know what triggers gout flare-ups. Alcohol and sugary drinks can trigger uric acid buildup in the body. Purine-rich foods often set off symptoms, but you don’t have to eliminate every food with purines. Here are some foods you should possibly avoid:
- Organ and glandular meats.
- Fatty fish and shellfish.
- Bacon.
- Veal.
- Venison.
- Pork.
- Turkey.
How is Gout Treated?
Gout attacks can be excruciating, but the sooner you seek treatment for this condition, the sooner the attack will subside, and pain will be alleviated. We often see complaints of gout in our patients. We will carefully evaluate your foot to determine how to relieve your gout attack quickly. Once the pain is under control, we will work with you to manage your gout in the future to avoid flare-ups.
Contact Cherrywood Foot Care For Gout Treatment
While gout is incurable, you can avoid those painful flare-ups with the help of our team. At Cherrywood Foot Care, If you are experiencing frequent gout attacks or other problems with your feet, our team is here to help! Contact our office to learn more or to schedule an appointment today!