Gout is a painful type of inflammatory arthritis that happens when sharp and pointed uric acid crystals collect inside your joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Affecting millions of Americans, gout symptoms typically affect the lower joint of your big toe or other joints in your feet or ankles.
Gout flare-ups are known for their sudden onset and intense pain — but fortunately, these painful episodes can be controlled and even prevented with proper care and attention. In this post, the team at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC, offers five simple steps you can take to keep gout symptoms under control and prevent painful flare-ups.
Your kidneys help flush out excess uric acid so it doesn’t build up in your joints. Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys remove uric acid and other waste products, potentially reducing your risk of a painful flare-up and supporting better joint health overall.
On the other hand, when fluid intake is low, uric acid levels build up in your blood, increasing the likelihood of pointy crystals lodging in your joints. Staying hydrated is especially important during warmer weather, after physical activity, or when fever, vomiting, or other symptoms of illness increase your risk of dehydration.
Gout flare-ups are often triggered by certain foods — specifically those with high levels of purines, substances that lead to high levels of uric acid in your blood. Some of the most common culprits include shellfish, red meat, organ meats like liver or kidneys, sugary beverages, and foods high in fructose.
Alcohol is another common trigger, most notably beer, interfering with your body’s ability to eliminate excess uric acid. Since gout triggers can vary, it’s important to note which foods make your symptoms worse so you know which foods and beverages to avoid.
Excess body weight can affect gout symptoms and flare-ups in several ways. First, extra pounds put added strain on joints, especially joints in your feet. Being overweight can also make it harder for your kidneys to filter your blood efficiently. And finally, being overweight may also increase your body’s production of uric acid.
The flip side? Losing those extra pounds through healthy eating habits and regular exercise reduces joint strain, optimizes your body’s ability to control uric acid levels, and promotes overall wellness, too.
Early gout symptoms can be easy to miss, simply because many of us attribute them to something else, like strenuous activity or even “getting older.” These symptoms include easy-to-overlook issues, like mild joint discomfort or stiffness or minor swelling in your toe or foot.
The problem: Early treatment is important not only for reducing those symptoms, but for supporting joint health and, ideally, slowing progression of the disease. Ignoring early gout symptoms can quickly lead to painful flare-ups while leading to more severe joint complications that can take a toll on your mobility, your comfort, and your quality of life.
Early medical evaluation is important for initiating a treatment plan based on your individual needs. Once that treatment plan is in place, it’s essential to follow it consistently.
Many people benefit from a combination that could include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or prescription medications, gentle stretching, physical therapy, splinting, and custom orthotics, along with lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise.
Failing to follow your treatment plan can lead to worsening symptoms and progressively more serious flare-ups. Regular follow-up visits ensure your treatment plan stays on track with your needs.
There’s no cure for gout, but with a little extra TLC and regular medical care, you can reduce painful flare-ups and protect your joints, too. To learn how we can help, request an appointment at our locations in Mesquite, Forney, and Kaufman, Texas, today.
