Gout: A Pain in the Toe --and More

Attacks of gout can be intermittent, lasting days or even weeks. Often intensely painful, this inflammatory disease of joints is caused by too much uric acid (a waste product made by the body) in the blood. It usually begins in men after about age 30 and in women after menopause.

In about half the people, the initial episode of gout occurs in the first joint of the big toe. The first time you feel pain in either big toe is a wise time to have your uric acid levels checked, especially if gout is an illness that runs in your family.

If the gout is left untreated, attacks can last longer and become more frequent. In addition, inadequately treated gout can result in tophi, nodules under the skin, especially near joints on the feet and hands. The nodules often become inflamed, red, warm and painful, and may be mistaken for boils. And tophi can erode the bone near the joints.

What can you do? A couple of simple things, such as avoiding alcohol, which increases the production of uric acid and inhibits its excretion. Also, avoid eating foods high in purines, which the body metabolizes into uric acid. These foods include shellfish, sardines and organ meats.

There are other triggers; talk to your doctor for more information. In many cases, gout can be controlled with proper medication and dietary management.

Source: StayWell Co.