Sudden Foot Pain: Gout Simplified
A foot that suddenly gets hot, swollen and painful could be gout.
What is gout?
Gout is a condition where there are high amounts of uric acid in the blood that manifests into pain in joints including the feet. If ignored, these will crystalize and become hardened material that erodes joints and creates lumps and bumps under the skin.
Who gets gout?
Gout used to be described in wealthy demographics since they were the ones who could afford meats but these days I see gout flare up in those as young as in their 20s. A diet rich in meats, alcohol and general dehydration (usually a binge filled weekend) is not an unusual precursor to waking up to foot pain.
Where does uric acid come from?
An accumulation of uric acid can be caused by a high consumption of foods that are high in purine or a failure of a physiologic system that doesn’t excrete it fast enough. In both scenarios, uric acid will build up in the blood leading to symptoms like sudden pain and swelling, including the feet.
What foods are high in purine?
Although it may be hard to completely eliminate purines from your diet, you can limit consumption of the following:
Some fish, seafoods & shellfish (ie anchovies, sardine, herring, mussels, scallops)
Processed meats (ham), bacon, beef, chicken, duck, organ meats, turkey, veal, venison
Alcohol
According to LiveStrong.com, some vegetables are also high in purines including, “Mushrooms, green peas, spinach, asparagus, broccoli sprouts and cauliflower are the vegetables that contain the highest amounts of purines. The Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital recommends limiting these vegetables to no more than 1/2 cup total per day.” Other studies have shown spinach and asparagus consumption don’t increase the risk of gout - so moderation is key.
Then what can I eat & do to prevent gout?
Ensuring you stay hydrated with 8-12 cups of water a day
Reducing or eliminating drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup, fruit juices, alcohol and caffeine which increases dehydration
Fresh fruits & vegetables
Low fat & non-dairy products (yogurt)
Nuts & grains
Fat & oil (moderation)
Potato, rice, bread, pasta
Eggs
Meats like chicken & fish (4-6 ounces per day)
Vegetables (you have hundreds to choose from!)
Food alone may not be sufficient in the relief and prevention of gout flare ups, so speak with your doctor to see if medications are recommended. Make sure if you are prescribed gout medications to take it as directed. If cost is an issue, check out Mark Cuban’s option at Cost Plus Drug Company.
How podiatrists can help with gout pain is diagnose, order labs, and offer pain relief & prevention recommendations. There are many conditions that can cause sudden foot pain including infection, bone fractures or stress fractures, Charcot foot, arthritis and tendonitis to name a few. If you are suffering from sudden pain in the feet, request a consultation by clicking the button below.
The best treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis, so don’t delay care.
