What Are the Treatments for Gout in the Foot?
Gout is a form of arthritis that attacks the joints in the body. It is caused by an excess of uric acid that is the result of a substance called purines. When uric acid appears in the body, it is usually flushed out in the urine. But when gout hits, excess uric acid ends up pooling at joint locations. Swelling, inflammation, pain and stiffness can then develop. When gout targets a foot, it can actually be seen in the toes or ankles. In both cases, there are several treatment options available.
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Avoid Purines
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Various foods are high in purines, and since purines are responsible for uric acid, these foods should be eliminated. Some of these include organ meats, such as livers, brains and kidneys, game meats and anything that has meat extracts in them, such as gravy. Seafood and some types of fish are also high in purines and should be eliminated. Some of these include sardines, mackerel, clams, anchovies and squid. A variety of beans are also high in purines and should be eliminated. Some of these include lentils, black-eyed peas and Great Northern beans.
Drink Water
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Water is a substance that offers many benefits to the body. It has no calories, is hydrating, helps metabolize fat, helps lubricate the joints and helps flush toxins, such as uric acid, from the body. According to the Institute of Medicine, women should drink 2.2 liters a day and men should drink 3 liters a day.
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Eat Cherries
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Cherries have a substance in them called anthocyanins, which offer a couple benefits to gout in the foot. They help reduce inflammation, and they lower the amount of uric acid in the body. They can be eaten fresh, dried or even in the form of juice or extract and still have the same effect.
Elevation
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When walking or standing, you are placing a lot of stress and pressure on your feet and ankles. This can exacerbate pain in the area where gout might be seen. To avoid this, eliminate high amounts of walking. When you are at rest, elevate your foot at least to the height of your heart or higher. You can also walk with the assistance of a cane to take more pressure off of your foot.
Medication
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Another way to treat gout in the foot is by taking medications. Some common over-the-counter drugs are anti-inflammatories, such as Motrin and Naprosyn. There are also some pharmaceutical drugs that are often prescribed by doctors for gout in the foot. Some of these include Colchicine, Benemid, Aloprim and Zyloprim.
Yeast
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Alcohol, especially beer and wine, are liquid substances that have a high purine content. The reason is because of the addition of yeast, which helps promote the fermentation process. Yeast is also found in bread, bagels, pretzels and various other baked goods as a thickener and a component to help them rise. To help reduce symptoms of gout in the foot, eliminate any of these products.
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