Gout attacks involve intense throbbing or burning joint pain, which occurs suddenly, followed by swelling, tenderness, warmth, and redness or discoloration. One article states that for some people, the pain can be so severe that they cannot tolerate the weight of a blanket. The symptoms are typically at their worst within 6—12 hours. The affected joint, or big toe, will recover in 1—2 weeks. Due to severe pain and swelling, people who experience gout attacks may find it challenging to walk or stand.
According to the Arthritis Foundation , if a person experiences a gout flare in the big toe, they should call a doctor to make an appointment.
A person can also use a cane or other mobility aids when they walk to help relieve pressure on the toe. They also recommend cutting the big toe out of a pair of socks so that there is no pressure on the toe. Open toe shoes or sandals are an option.
A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to prevent recurrent gout attacks along with prescribed medications. A doctor will choose medicines based on your condition. According to NIAMS , medication can treat gout attack symptoms, prevent future attacks, and lower the chance of gout complications, such as tophi development. Tophi occur when the uric acid crystals build up and form small lumps. They can occur anywhere but commonly develop at pressure points, such as the elbows, or around hand or foot joints.
Gout occurs due to an excess buildup of uric acid, or hyperuricemia. However, a quarter of those with hyperuricemia do not develop gout. When the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. Typically, the kidneys remove a certain amount of uric acid in the urine. However, when they are unable to remove enough uric acid, uric acid crystals can form in the joints and soft tissues, causing swelling and pain. Gout typically affects males more than females.
However, females have higher levels of uric acid after menopause. NIAMS state that being older also increases the chance of developing gout. Genetics can also increase the chance of developing gout. According to the CDC , other factors that may increase the likelihood of gout include:. NIAMS recommend avoiding foods high in purine, such as:.
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What is gout? What is turf toe? How are gout and turf toe alike? How are gout and turf toe different? Is there a connection between gout and turf toe? The bottom line. Read this next.
Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What to Know to Tape Turf Toe. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Gout Symptoms and Triggers. Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M. Does Eating Tomatoes Affect Gout? Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD. Understanding Gout Crystals. Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD. Bladderwrack: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects. The only good news about gout is that the uric acid crystals — for reasons unknown — tend to accumulate in just one joint at a time.
But you can also get gout in your:. When you have gout, you may experience sharp and excruciating pain in the afflicted joint. The joint may also be red, swollen, and hot. But gout is excruciatingly painful and not funny at all when you suffer an attack. In fact, the foods that make up the standard American diet are filled with a substance called purines, which can cause excess uric acid to build up in your body. If you have one or more painful, swollen, hot joints from your knee down to your toes, you could have gout.
Foods that contain excessive purines include:. Cutting out purine-rich foods and replacing them with fresh vegetables and fruits may reduce the pain of gout and prevent flares. Consider filling at least half of your plate with fresh vegetables and fruits at every meal. Drinking plenty of water each day also helps wash away excess uric acid and prevents it from collecting in your joints.
Left untreated, gout can destroy your joints. In fact, untreated gout raises your risk for serious conditions, including:. Because gout may mimic other inflammatory diseases, the first step toward controlling your gout starts with a definitive diagnosis.
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