Gout, a common form of inflammatory arthritis, is a joint disease that can be particularly painful when it flares up. A certain diet has been found to lower levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables and low in salt, sugar, and red meat, can be very beneficial for people with gout. This diet is also low in purines, a compound that breaks down to form uric acid. After a study period of 26 years, doctors found that those who followed the DASH diet were less likely to develop gout compared to those who ate a typical Western diet.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot care needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.