Warning: Gout Ahead

At Texas Foot Specialists, we want patients to know that overindulging in holiday cheer can be harmful to your feet. Many favorites found on holiday tables are known to trigger the painful condition of gout. Gout is actually a form of arthritis that most frequently affects the joint of your big toe. Purines, a chemical naturally found in your body and also in several festive foods and beverages, create uric acid when they break down. For some patients, the uric acid will build up in the toe joint and crystallize causing extreme pain, swelling and inflammation. In many people who suffer from gout the first experience will be in the middle of the night after a holiday party.

Taking Precautions

Foods that are high in purines include:

Red meat

Organ meats (kidneys, liver, etc.)

Shellfish

Rich Sauces

Red wine

Brandy

Beer

It’s best to not overeat these items, and you may need to steer clear of them all together if you have had gout in the past.

In addition to foods and beverages, there are other triggers for gout. Minimize your risk with the following tips:

Bust stress—stress is a known trigger of gout. During the holidays, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all that there is to do. Find ways to take the pressure off and pace yourself with tasks and celebrating.

Review medications—certain medications and even some vitamins can elevate your risk for gout. Go over what you’re taking with your doctor or pharmacist and find out if anything you’re using needs to be adjusted.

Watch your weight—obesity also ups your chances for a gout attack. That’s another good reason to keep rich foods to a minimum and not neglect your exercise regimen.

If you have more questions about gout or you have other concerns about joint disorders in your feet, contact our Pasadena (281) 991-0600, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 or Houston (713) 664-6677 office. Our podiatrists Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller will evaluate your feet and determine if any treatment is needed.