If you have gout, it is more than likely that your diet contains more purine than what is necessary. If you fail to take action against the amount of purine in your body, your kidney function will become disrupted. Purine is a substance that, when broken down, creates uric acid, which is filtered by the kidneys. A balanced amount of uric acid will help regulate blood throughout the body by promoting healthy blood vessel linings. When there is an excessive amount of uric acid in the bloodstream, urate crystals gather in the joints, which creates a condition called gout. If you are looking to avoid developing gout, you should avoid foods that are high in purines such as animal organs, sardines, alcohol, and yeast. Foods that contain a moderate amount of purine are oatmeal, bacon, oyster, spinach, sausage, and shrimp. Foods that are low in purine are rice, pasta, tofu, peanut butter, low-fat dairy products, and green olives. Research has shown that there is an inverse relationship with uric acid levels and the amount of low-fat dairy products consumed. It is important that you carefully plan your diet if you are aiming to prevent the development of gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.