HOLIDAYS INCREASE THE RISK OF A GOUT ATTACK

Your feet can sometimes feel the effects of too much holiday cheer. Foods and beverages high in purines, such as shellfish, red meat, red wine, and beer can trigger extremely painful gout attacks, a condition when uric acid builds up and crystallizes in and around your joints. According to foot and ankle surgeon and Associate Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Josh Sebag, DPM, “Often, it’s the big toe that’s affected first since it’s the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes, but this may also occur in other parts of the foot and ankle.”

 

Dr. Josh Sebag

 

If you do experience pain in your big toe or other parts of your foot or ankle, drink appropriate fluids, elevate your foot, and immobilize it. Frequently, non-aspirin equivalents of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat gout. In severe cases, contact your foot and ankle surgeon.

 

Source: West Valley View [11/15/21]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News