How to Find Relief from Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. Sufferers can experience a wide range of symptoms from inflamed and sore joints to nodules. Excess uric acid crystallizes around joints, especially in the feet near the big toe. Gout can be caused by genetics, certain medications, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Be mindful of what you eat and drink:

Gout can be exacerbated by the consumption of foods containing purines (which break down into uric acid). Try to avoid foods such as:

• Meats, including game meats.
• Anchovies, sardines, herring, scallops, and mackerel.
• Beer.
• Organ meats.

What to do and what to wear

What should you do if you are dealing with gout? There are a couple actions you can take to alleviate the symptoms:

• Elevate and rest affected joints until the pain subsides. Elevating the joints onto a pillow or another soft object will help ease the swelling and pain.
• Find shoes that with wide, high toe boxes so that you can still wear a shoe even if your feet are swollen. Firm arch supports are also helpful to disperse pressure along the entire sole of your feet. Brands such as Vionic and Dansko contain spacious toe boxes for this purpose.

Be sure to consult with your doctor for any treatment of gout.

Resources:

https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org
http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/gout.asp
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144827.php
http://arthritis.webmd.com/gout-attacks-at-home
https://www.verywell.com/gout-diet-foods-to-avoid-188117
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=51
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/6-reasons-drinking-water-solves-problem-143000170.html