Research has found that people with gout are at an increased risk of developing heart-related problems, such as developing an erratic heart rhythm. Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that usually affects more men than women. In this blog post, we will explain what foot gout is and how it can be prevented.
What Is Foot Gout?
Gout generally occurs due to the excess build-up of uric acid. This usually affects the feet and causes swelling and pain, particularly in the joints and the toes. Sometimes sudden and intense attacks of gout can make you feel like your foot is burning. According to Health Direct, gout usually affects the big toe, but the wrists, knees, ankles, and elbows can also suffer.
Symptoms of Gout
Some people have excess uric acid in their blood, but they possess no symptoms. This condition is called asymptomatic gout. For a severe gout condition, the symptoms come on quickly due to the excess amount of uric acid in the foot joint and last for at least 3 to 10 days.
During this time, you will experience severe pain and swelling, and your toes might even feel slightly warm. If gout is not treated properly and immediately, the condition can become chronic and harmful lumps (tophi) can start to develop in the joints inside the skin and the surrounding soft tissue.
Causes of Gout
Your body can produce excess amounts of uric acid due to low metabolism, dehydration, or blood disorder. Other factors that cause gout are:
- Age
- Alcohol
- Certain medications, such as diuretics
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
Treatment and Prevention of Gout
Gout can eventually lead to arthritis if it is left untreated. This can cause permanent damage to the joints, including swelling.
The type of treatment you get depends on the level and intensity of the condition. Gout medications relieve pain and tone down inflammation. They also prevent gout attacks in the future by lowering the quantity of uric acid present in the blood.
Drugs that reduce gout pain include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or Advil
- Colchicines
- Corticosteroids
Drugs that reduce uric acid
- Xanthine oxidase inhibitors
- Probenecid
Sure, medications may work, but you should not remain completely dependent on them for the rest of your life. In addition to these medicines, your doctor may also suggest some changes in your lifestyle to reduce and prevent gout. For example, your doctor may suggest that you reduce your daily alcohol intake, eat a healthy diet and reduce your weight, quit smoking, and drink plenty of water as all of these factors are responsible for the overall severity of your foot gout.
Gout is a common form of arthritis that can affect both men and women. A gout attack can happen suddenly without any symptoms and can cause the joints to feel tender and swollen. There are, however, ways to prevent gout and arthritis.
For more information related to foot gout and prevention, please click here.