02 Jul Gout: Keeping Your Feet Healthy When You Have Gout
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can cause intense pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints of the feet and body, with gout most commonly targeting the big toe joint. Effectively managing gout and maintaining foot health are crucial for individuals living with this condition to help ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life, function and mobility. Here’s what you should know about keeping your feet healthy when you have gout.
Understanding Gout
Gout is often characterised by sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints. It occurs due to the accumulation of urate crystals in the affected joints, leading to intense pain and discomfort. The condition most commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe, but it can also affect other joints such as the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers.
The primary cause of gout is an elevated level of uric acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, substances found in certain foods and produced by the body. When uric acid levels become excessively high, it can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can then accumulate in the joints, triggering gout attacks.
Gout attacks typically come on suddenly and often occur during the night. The affected joint becomes swollen, red, and extremely tender to the touch. The pain is often described as throbbing or excruciating. Gout attacks can last for a few days to several weeks, and subsequent attacks may occur periodically. In some cases, individuals with chronic gout may develop ‘tophi’, which are lumps of urate crystals that can form under the skin around joints or other areas of the body.
Tips for Keeping Feet Healthy and Comfortable with Gout
We often help out patients with gout by conducting a comprehensive biomechanical examination of your feet and legs, looking for any musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your pain. If suitable, we may use comfortable custom orthotics to help relieve painful symptoms that occur due to restrictions in the mobility of your feet. Our podiatry tips for helping keep your feet healthy and comfortable when you’re living with gout include:
- Wearing warm socks: Keeping your feet warm can help prevent crystallisation.
- Manage your uric acid levels: Work closely with your healthcare providers to monitor and manage uric acid levels through medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess uric acid from the body and maintain overall hydration.
- Apply ice during flares: When experiencing a gout flare, apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth to the affected joint to reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevate and rest: Elevate the foot during gout flares to reduce swelling and relieve pressure. Resting the affected foot can help alleviate pain and facilitate healing.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can contribute to gout flares and place additional strain on the joints. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Footwear for Gout
Choosing appropriate footwear plays a significant role in managing gout and preventing discomfort. Consider the following:
- Prioritise comfort: Choose well-cushioned shoes with a wide toe box to provide ample support and reduce pressure on the affected joints.
- Look for low heels: Avoid high-heeled shoes as they can increase pressure on the toes and exacerbate gout symptoms. Opt for low-heeled or flat shoes that provide stability and minimise stress on the feet.
- Consider custom foot orthotics: Consult with a podiatrist to determine if custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support and help alleviate gout-related foot pain.
- Avoid tight-fitting footwear: Tight shoes can compress the feet and lead to discomfort. Ensure your shoes have enough room to accommodate any swelling during gout flares.
- Select breathable materials: Choose shoes made from breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, to promote airflow and reduce moisture accumulation.
Gout and your feet: FAQs
Can gout affect other joints in the foot besides the big toe?
Yes, gout can affect other joints in the feet, such as the ankles, midfoot, or small toe joints. It can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in any joint affected by uric acid crystal deposits.
Can certain foods trigger gout flares?
Yes, certain foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and alcohol, can trigger gout flares in some individuals. It is important to identify and avoid trigger foods to manage gout effectively.
Can over-the-counter pain medications help during gout flares?
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation during gout flares. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent gout flares?
Yes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent gout flares. This includes following a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity.