Recent research conducted at John Hopkins University School of Medicine indicates that diets that aid in reducing blood pressure also help in combating gout, “a painful form of arthritis that tends to hit people later in life.” According to the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, a diet rich in foods such as fruits and vegetables and low in fats can help reduce uric acid levels. Gout occurs when your body produces too much uric acid in response to eating a diet full of compounds called purine, leading to symptoms of painful burning in our joints, particularly in our toes and feet.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.