If you have gout, it is more than likely that your diet contains more purine than what is necessary. If you fail to take action against the amount of purine in your body, your kidney function will become disrupted. Purine is a substance that, when broken down, creates uric acid, which is filtered by the kidneys. A balanced amount of uric acid will help regulate blood throughout the body by promoting healthy blood vessel linings. When there is an excessive amount of uric acid in the bloodstream, urate crystals gather in the joints, which creates a condition called gout. If you are looking to avoid developing gout, you should avoid foods that are high in purines such as animal organs, sardines, alcohol, and yeast. Foods that contain a moderate amount of purine are oatmeal, bacon, oyster, spinach, sausage, and shrimp. Foods that are low in purine are rice, pasta, tofu, peanut butter, low-fat dairy products, and green olives. Research has shown that there is an inverse relationship with uric acid levels and the amount of low-fat dairy products consumed. It is important that you carefully plan your diet if you are aiming to prevent the development of gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.