Gout in foot is caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints. It is known as an‘unwalkable disease’ that produces foot pain and swelling. When the body abnormally handles uric acid and it crystalizes that can cause blockage of the kidney leading to kidney failure, painful arthritis, and kidney stones. How to treat gout on foot is the most recorded medical search throughout history. A gout attack is characterized by a rapid onset of pain in the affected joints. The joints might be tender, warm, swollen, and have reddish discoloration. It also affects the elbows, fingers, wrists, and ankles. The acute pain is intense that even the slightest touch of footwear causes pain. The pain can subside within hours or even days but avoid foods that cause gout attacks. In rare cases, the attack can last a week and can repeat over the years.
The joint at the base of the big toe is the common site of the first acute gout attack. The attacks are less likely to happen when gout is treated. If you do not visit a gout specialist Houston for treatment,gout can harm tissues, joints, and tendons. The big toe joint is affected because it is susceptible to uric acid reacts to changes in temperature. In low temperatures uric acid transforms into crystals. The feet are affected first because they are the furthest from the heart experiencing low temperatures which is a welcoming environment for gout. The attacks happen at night because the body temperature is lowest by one or two degrees. Some of the water in the joints get reabsorbed in the body during sleep leaving high concentrations of uric acid.
The prevalence of gout has risen over the years with 4% of the American population. It has also been noted that gout affects more men than women and mostly African-American men. It also rises with age and the peak age is 75years.
Risk Factors of Gout
1. Excess weight gain especially among the youth that is coupled with high blood pressure, high alcohol intake, abnormal kidney functions, and diabetes are among the factors that contribute to developing gout.
2. A previously injured joint can set off a gout attack.
3. Surgery and treatments can change the body’s chemistry and trigger the development of gout.
4. Some diseases and medications cause an elevation in the levels of uric acid in the body.
5. Patients that suffer from abnormally low thyroid hormone levels in patients with gout.
Gout-in-foot issues can be very uncomfortable to live with, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will provide the care and treatment you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Treating Gout
· Gout attacks take some days but resolve on their own. Repeated attacks are referred to as chronic gout and can cause permanent joint damage leading to decreased range of motion.
· When identified early it is treatable, relief from gout attacks. You can take prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
· Apply ice packs on the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
· Rest and elevated the foot to subside the symptoms such as swelling.
· Reduce the intake of foods that can trigger high levels of uric acid such as red wine, shellfish, beer, red meat, and beans.
