Gout: The Hidden Danger of Holiday Festivities

The holiday season is full of rich and hearty foods, drinks, and parties. But over-indulging in the holiday spirit can also cause a not-so-merry gout attack.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that typically occurs in one joint, like the ankle, heel, or within the joint of the big toe. Uric acid accumulates in the joints and then crystalizes, which then causes inflammation.

If you’ve suffered from gout in the past, be sure to stay away from foods that are high in purines, like organ meats (liver and kidneys), other meats (bacon, pork, beef, and lamb), game meats, anchovies, sardines, gravy, and beer. These types of foods will only aid in uric acid build-up and contribute to a gout flare-up.

You are also more likely to suffer from gout if you:

• Have a family history of gout
• Are male
• Are overweight
• Consume large amounts of alcohol
• Consume a lot of foods that are high in purines
• Suffer from an enzyme defect where your body has trouble breaking down purines
• Have been exposed to lead in the environment
• Have undergone an organ transplant
• Taking certain medicines such as diuretics, aspirin, cyclosporine, or levodopa
• Take the vitamin niacin

If you’re suffering from gout in your foot or ankle, there are treatments available to help alleviate your pain. Changes in your diet, increasing the amount of fluids, elevation, immobilization, and medications can help reduce the severity and eliminate your gout attack. But speak to a podiatrist first to determine the best route for recovery in your specific situation.

If you're suffering from a gout flare-up, please call 336-375-6990 or click here to schedule an appointment.