That Swollen Big Toe Might Be Gout

What Is Gout?

Once known as the "disease of kings" because of its correlations with the excessive intake of rich foods and alcohol, gout is a form of inflammatory. When high levels of uric acid develop and increase unchecked in the bloodstream, gout occurs. The acid forms needle-like crystals that settle in joints and cause sudden, intense pain, accompanied by tenderness, redness, warmth and swelling.

Symptoms of Gout

Gout almost always appears suddenly overnight. Symptoms include intense joint pain, lingering discomfort, inflammation and redness, and limited range of motion. Typically, one joint is affected at a time, but several can be involved simultaneously. Symptoms most commonly occur in the big toe, but gout can also affect other joints in the leg (knee, ankle, foot) and occasionally in the arms (hand, wrist, and elbow) as well. The spine is rarely affected.

Your Risk of Gout

Gout occurs in about 4% of American adults. Many risk factors can be reduced with diet and exercise.

Choose chicken and fish fillets often. Your risk of gout goes up with the percentage of red meat and shellfish in your diet.

Manage your risk of gout by consuming no more than two liquor drinks, glasses of wine, or beers per day.

Save drinks sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup for special occasions. They have recently been linked to increased gout risk.

Maintain a healthy weight. People who are very overweight are at a higher risk for gout and tend to develop gout at a younger age than people with lower BMI's.

Gout is more common in men than women until age 60, although scientists haven't proven why. It is generally believed that naturally occurring estrogen protects women up to that point.

You're more likely to develop gout if a close relative has it.

Other health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can be contributing factors in the development of gout.

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.