Did Gout Get You Over the Holidays?
Does this scenario sound familiar? You enjoy an evening at a festive party with lots of delicious and rich food and a few cups of holiday cheer. Later that night you’re awakened from a sound sleep with terribly severe pain in the joint of your big toe. At Goldsmith Podiatry we know this points to an attack of gout.
What Exactly is Gout?
Gout is actually a form of arthritis and is sometimes referred to as gouty arthritis. It occurs when there is an overabundance of uric acid in the body that crystallizes in a joint. Uric acid is sensitive to cooler temperatures. Your toe is the part of the body farthest away from the heart and hence the coolest. This is why it is the most frequent site of gout.
If this is the first time you’ve experienced symptoms of gout, it’s important that you make an appointment at our Upper West Side Manhattan office by calling: (212) 877-1002 for an evaluation by one of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia. The foot doctor will examine your toe and get a complete medical history. The tendency for gout can be hereditary. The podiatrist will also want to rule out other causes of joint inflammation.
Tracking Down Triggers
If a diagnosis of gout is confirmed, the foot doctor will want to help you determine what brings on an attack. There are several possibilities. The first is linked to your diet. Uric acid is produced when purines break down. Some popular holiday dining items are on the list of high purine foods. These include red meat, shellfish, rich sauces, brandy, red wine, and organ meats. You may find that you need to limit or eliminate some of these foods in order to prevent another attack. Other triggers are stress, taking certain medications or vitamins, surgery, chemotherapy, obesity, and some medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. The foot doctor will try to help you learn what triggers gout for you. Medications may also be prescribed to prevent future episodes. If you have concerns about gout, contact us for more information.