Gout is a form of arthritis (from the Greek meaning “joint inflammation") that typically attacks a single joint at a time, usually starting in the big toe. It occurs when uric acid crystals (a waste product) build up in the joint space, leading to a great deal of pain and swelling.
Gout used to be called the “disease of kings,” because it was associated with a diet full of red and organ meats, as well as alcohol, which only the wealthy could afford.
At Chicagoland Foot and Ankle, our team of board-certified foot and ankle specialists diagnoses and treats gout at our many offices in and around Chicago, Illinois. There are, though, a number of home remedies you can try, and we’re highlighting them in this month’s blog.
Uric acid is a normal breakdown product of purines, substances that are found naturally in your body, as well as in food and drinks such as:
Normally, the waste uric acid dissolves in your blood and is excreted through your kidneys into your urine.
But if you eat too much purine-rich food, or if your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, the uric acid builds up in your body, forming sharp, needlelike crystals that deposit in the joints and surrounding tissue, leading to pain, inflammation, and swelling.
In addition, if you’re overweight or obese, your body produces more uric acid, and your kidneys have a harder time clearing it from your body, which can lead to symptoms of gout.
Gout symptoms almost always occur suddenly, and they often happen during the night. They include:
While gout usually starts in the big toe, it can occur in any joint. Other joints commonly affected include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. The pain is often the most severe within the first 4-12 hours.
Once the intense pain subsides, you may have some joint discomfort anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The longer you are into your gout journey, the longer the attacks become, and they start to affect more joints.
The joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm, and red.
As gout progresses, you may have a restricted range of motion in the joint.
When gout symptoms pop up, this is known as a flare, and you can have symptoms that last for days or even weeks. The flare may be followed by a period when you have no symptoms (remission), but it usually doesn’t last, and you experience another flare. You may move between the two states for some time.
If you don’t treat the gout, flares become more frequent, and they last longer. In addition, you may develop lumps called tophi stones, which are the result of uncontrolled uric acid levels. They’re not only painful, but they also damage the joint tissues.
There are two main things you can do on your own to improve your gout symptoms: diet and exercise.
Because gout usually starts when you consume too many purines, cutting back can calm your condition. Some suggestions include:
Some vegetables, including spinach and mushrooms, contain high levels of purines but are safe to eat. Evidence indicates that low-fat dairy (e.g., yogurt, cheese) can actually lower your uric acid levels.
Exercising is beneficial for everyone’s overall health, but if you have gout and try to exercise at regular intensity, you’re only going to make the pain and inflammation worse. Choose non-weight-bearing, low-intensity exercise, such as swimming and water aerobics.
They’re not just more comfortable, but they may also help reduce inflammation, decreasing the pain.
If modifying your diet and exercise aren’t enough, schedule an appointment with us at Chicagoland Foot and Ankle. There are medications that can help you lower your uric acid levels and prevent the development of tophi stones.
If you’ve developed sudden pain and swelling in your big toe, it’s likely gout, and our team at Chicagoland Foot and Ankle can help.
Call any of our locations (Mount Greenwood and Portage Park areas of Chicago, as well as Orland Park, Bartlett, Niles, and New Lenox, Illinois) to schedule a consultation, or book your appointment online today.
