A gout attack during the holiday can cancel your holiday plans and stop all your fun. Changes in your diet, including over indulging in certain foods and beverages, can trigger gout attacks this time of year. Gout attacks are extremely painful and come on suddenly, mostly at night.
A recent study has proved the long-held belief that a gout attack is more likely to occur at night. Dr. Choi, from Boston University School of Medicine, published the article in "Arthritis & Rheumatology" that shows persons have 2.36 greater chance of having a gout attack at night than in the daytime. It is believed that the lowered body temperature and dehydration during sleep may be contributing factors as well as a change in hormone levels.
Gout is caused when uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, (chemicals) which are found naturally in our bodies and in foods, especially proteins. Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating the excess uric acid, while others produce too much uric acid.
Eating too much food high in purines also contributes to uric acid build-up and can trigger a gout attack. Uric acid is normally found in the blood and is eliminated in the urine, but in people who have gout, the uric acid levels increase.
Gout occurs most commonly in the big toe because of the small size, as well as the cooler temperatures there, causing the uric acid to crystallize. Since the toe is the part of the body that is farthest from the heart, it's also the coolest part of the body and the most likely target of gout. Gout, however can affect any joint in the body.
Genetics also play a role in the tendency to accumulate uric acid. Other factors that put a person at risk for developing gout may include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, surgery, chemotherapy, stress and taking certain medications such as diuretics (water pills) and vitamins. While gout is more common in men aged 40 to 60, it can occur in younger men as well as in women.
Gout presents with intense pain that comes on suddenly -- often in the middle of the night or getting up in the morning. There may also be other signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling and warmth over the joint. There may be difficulty walking or standing due to the pain. To diagnose gout, the podiatrist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history and your diet, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests (uric acid level) and X-rays may also be ordered.
The initial treatment of an attack of gout typically includes:
Medications: Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. An anti-inflammatory and or medications to help lower the uric acid level may be ordered by the podiatrist.
Food and gout: Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided, since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. People prone to gout attacks should avoid purine-rich foods such as shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, conch, etc.), organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red meat, processed meats and cheese, red wine and beer. Foods that help prevent gout include pineapple, ginger and turmeric for their anti-inflammatory properties; bananas, low fat milk products and watercress also help prevent gout.
Cherries: Recent studies have shown that people with gout may be able to cut their risk of recurrent attacks in half by eating about one cup or 20 cherries a day. The report states that cherries help keep the inflammation in check and may reduce the uric acid levels and inflammation in the body. The researchers credit anthocyanins -- antioxidant pigments found in red and purplish fruits and vegetables, including cherries for the beneficial effect.
The antioxidants stabilize unstable molecules called free radicals, which cause inflammation and damage cells and tissue. More studies are being done in this area. To get the benefit, cherry juice and extract tablets can also be taken if you cannot find fresh cherries.
Fluids: Drink plenty water every day to help flush out the uric acid. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages act as a diuretic (something that causes frequent urination) which can cause more dehydration making the gout worse.
Immobilize and elevate the foot: Rest your affected foot by avoiding long standing and walking. Also, elevate your foot (level with or slightly above the heart) to help reduce swelling. Sometimes the podiatrist may put a bandage on the foot to help with the pain and swelling.
The symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process will usually resolve in three to 10 days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue regardless of your initial home treatment, see a podiatrist. If repeated attacks occur, you may need long-term treatment that will mean daily medications to control the uric acid level. It is important to treat and resolve the gout because repeated episodes of gout can damage the joint permanently and cause arthritis.
o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820, or Lucayan Medical Centre on East Sunrise Highway, Freeport Grand Bahama, telephone 373-7400.
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