Do you have arthritis or diabetes? As you might know, patients diagnosed with conditions like arthritis or diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gout. Gout is a form of arthritis in which high levels of uric acid accumulate in your bloodstream. When uric acid builds up in your blood, it can cause crystals of uric acid to form within various joints in the body. Those crystals cause pain and inflammation in the affected areas. From the outside, a joint affected by gout can appear tender, visibly red and swollen. It is painful to touch and can emit warmth from the inflammation. Most often, gout will affect our feet - specifically our big toes. As medical professionals investigated over the years, they have found several links between our food and fitness when it comes to when and how our feet are affected by gout.
Drink more water - being hydrated is good for your entire body, but it is especially effective at reducing or preventing the buildup of uric acid.
Exercise regularly - keeping your blood flowing and circulating throughout your body with exercise can help make hydration go even farther! The more you exercise, the more you should hydrate with water.
Drink less alcohol - countless studies have shown the damaging effect alcohol has on people with gout. If you’re susceptible to developing gout, it is especially important to avoid alcohol.
Consult your doctor or nutritionist - medical professionals are the best equipped to advise what’s best for you and your lifestyle, such as avoiding foods high in purines!
If and when you find yourself curious to know more, Dr. Michele Kurlanski at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center is here to help. The more you know about the conditions you are diagnosed with, the better equipped you will be with ways to make life easier, less painful, and stress-free. In addition to specializing in the management of diabetic podiatry patients, our Scarborough office in Maine has a convenient in-office foot store! Check it out when you schedule your next appointment by calling us at 207-774-0028.
