What Causes Gout? Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity,Surgery, Affected Joint
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GOUT What Is Gout? Gout occurs most commonly in foods contain more purines than out is a disorder that results the big toe because uric acid is sensi- others and have been associated Gfrom the build-up of uric acid tive to temperature changes. At cooler with an increase of uric acid, which in the tissues or a joint—most often temperatures, uric acid turns into leads to gout. You may be able to the joint of the big toe. An attack of crystals. Since the toe is the part of reduce your chances of getting a gout can be miserable, marked by the the body that is furthest from the gout attack by limiting or avoiding following symptoms: heart, it’s also the coolest part of the following foods and beverages: • Intense pain that comes on the body—and, thus, the most likely shellfish, organ meats (kidney,liver, suddenly—often in the middle target of gout. However, gout can etc.), red wine, beer, and red meat. of the night or upon arising affect any joint in the body. •Redness, swelling, and warmth The tendency to accumulate Diagnosis over the joint—all of which are uric acid is often inherited. Other In diagnosing gout, the foot and ankle signs of inflammation factors that put a person at risk for surgeon will take your personal and developing gout include: high blood family history and examine the What Causes Gout? pressure, diabetes, obesity,surgery, affected joint. Laboratory tests and Gout attacks are caused by deposits chemotherapy,stress, and certain x-rays are sometimes ordered to of crystallized uric acid in the joint. medications and vitamins. For determine if the inflammation is Uric acid is present in the blood and example, the body’s ability to remove caused by something other than gout. eliminated in the urine, but in people uric acid can be negatively affected by who have gout, uric acid accumulates taking aspirin, some diuretic medica- Tr ea t ment and crystallizes in the joints. Uric tions (“water pills”), and the vitamin Initial treatment of an attack of gout acid is the result of the breakdown of niacin (also called nicotinic acid). While typically includes the following: purines, chemicals that are found gout is more common in men aged • Medications. Prescription naturally in our bodies and in food. 40 to 60 years, it can occur in younger medications or injections are Some people develop gout because men and also occurs in women. used to treat the pain, swelling, their kidneys have difficulty eliminat- Consuming foods and beverages and inflammation. ing normal amounts of uric acid, while that contain high levels of purines • Dietary restrictions. Foods and others produce too much uric acid. can trigger an attack of gout. Some beverages that are high in purines should be avoided, since purines are The symptoms of gout and the When Is Surgery Needed? converted in the body to uric acid. inflammatory process usually resolve In some cases of gout, surgery is • Fluids. Drink plenty of water and in three to ten days with treatment. required to remove the uric acid other fluids each day,while also If gout symptoms continue despite crystals and repair the joint. Your foot avoiding alcoholic beverages, the initial treatment, or if repeated and ankle surgeon will determine which cause dehydration. attacks occur, see your primary care the procedure that would be most • Immobilize and elevate the foot. physician for maintenance treatment beneficial in your case. ▲ Avoid standing and walking to that may involve daily medication. In give your foot a rest. Also, elevate cases of repeated episodes, the under- your foot (level with or slightly lying problem must be addressed, as above the heart) to help reduce the build-up of uric acid over time can the swelling. cause arthritic damage to the joint. This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 5,800 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs. The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education, research and the promotion of the highest professional standards. Copyright © 2005, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com.