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By Crofton Podiatry
July 10, 2019
Category: Arthritis
Tags: Gout   obesity   uric acid   high blood pressure  

One of the more painful conditions a person can have is a condition called Gout. Gout is the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid contains knife-like crystals that embed themselves in the soft parts of your joints. Often found in your toes or ankles, gout can also occur in your hands and wrists. The pain can be described as having a throbbing broken bone. Gout makes joints so sensitive that the weight of a bedsheet can cause extreme and excruciating pain.

One of the main causes of gout is the consumption of food rich in uric acid, otherwise known as purine rich foods.

These include:

  • Shellfish – shrimp, lobster, crab
  • Red, uncooked meat
  • Sardines, Anchovies, Mackerel
  • Liver, Kidney – organ meats
  • Beer
  • Nutritional and brewer’s yeast
  • Sweetbread
  • Venison
  • Veal
  • High fructose foods

Risk factors for gout include:

  • Poor diet – consumption of the high purine foods above
  • Obesity – can contribute to the development of gout
  • High blood pressure – meds taken to great HBP can cause gout
  • Certain diuretics – can happen with anti-rejection drugs
  • Genetics – runs in the family
  • Age – men develop gout usually between 30 and 50. Women after menopause
  • Sex – men usually have higher uric acid levels

The best treatment for gout is a healthy diet. Foods such as fruits, complex carbs, vegetables, or a low fat protein which can include lentils. Avoid naturally sweetened fruit juices. Drinking water is also important as it helps flush out the uric acid. Treatments for gout besides a better diet include:

  • Ibuprophen – treats pain and swelling – can damage kidneys if taken excessively
  • Colchicine – good for acute attacks
  • Allopurinol – also known as an oxidase inhibitor - helps reduce uric acid output
  • Medications that help remove uric acid levels – known as a uricosuric

If you believe you have gout or have any other concerns with your feet, make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He will assess your feet and find the proper treatments. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas. You can also visit our website at www.croftonpodiatry.com.

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2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
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Podiatrist - Crofton, Crofton Podiatry, 2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25, Crofton MD, 21114 (410) 721-4505