Board Certified Podiatrist Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Joint pain is typically blamed on arthritis, but if it occurs particularly in your big toe, it’s likely gout, a condition caused by too much uric acid in your body. With nowhere to go, the uric acid forms hard deposits in your joint that causes pain, redness, and swelling. Your big toe isn’t the only joint gout affects, but it is the most common. It can also occur in your other toe joints or in the knuckles on your hands.

When you’re one of the more than 8 million Americans who suffer from gout, you’re going to need a good podiatrist. And if you live in the Salt Lake City area, you have access to two of the leading, board-certified specialists, Dr. Dan Preece and Dr. Darren Groberg, who can evaluate the stage and severity of your gout and develop an individualized treatment plan just for you. 

Because gout tends to cause spontaneous attacks of pain when you’re least expecting it, it can be hard to predict it and plan your activities accordingly. While our team recommends a comprehensive, long-term treatment plan, there are times you simply need help getting through a painful gout flare-up. 

Our experts at Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists put together this list of tips that can ease your acute gout attacks.

Medication

At the first signs of a gout flare-up, many people find that a regular dose of an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen can be very effective at stopping the pain, or at least decreasing it. 

When you meet with us about your gout, we complete a thorough examination, including your current and past health issues. We can recommend the right type of medication for you to keep on hand in case of sudden attack. 

Ice

The inflammation that comes along with gout is often the main culprit causing your pain. Instead of, or in addition to, the over-the-counter medication, good, old-fashioned ice can do wonders to reduce the swelling and pain.  

Whether you choose some crushed ice in a bag buffered by a thin towel, a frozen bag of peas, or a nice cold pool of water, dropping the temperature is often all it takes. 

Caution: Don’t leave ice on the area for more than 20 minutes, and don’t use this method if you have nerve damage or diabetes.

Rest

When you have a gout attack, especially if it’s in your toe, no one has to tell you to get off your feet; the pain will lead you to do that instinctively. But beyond the initial reaction to stop using the affected joint, whether in your hands or your feet, it’s important to stay off it as long as possible and give it some rest.

If you can, elevate the joint to alleviate some of the inflammation, as well. 

Next-level at-home tips

While ice, rest, and NSAIDs can help you endure a gout flare-up in the moment, there are more things you can do to give your gout a helping hand. 

• Drink an abundance of water
• Avoid alcohol and sweet drinks, especially soda
• Cut out foods with added sugars or yeast
• Avoid organ meats, game meats, and seafood

These steps can help you manage the amount of uric acid in your system.  

Although gout is known to cause an occasional mild fever, if you have an elevated temperature along with chills, it could be the sign of an infection, in which case you should call us immediately. 

If you have gout or think you might, coming to see us for the right treatment is critical. Dr. Preece and Dr. Groberg can prescribe stronger medications, if necessary, and help you decide on the best course of treatment to avoid further complications. Call us today or request an appointment online to get a handle on your gout symptoms. 

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5 Ways to Ease a Gout Attack

Sep 2, 2016

If you have gout, you know what it’s like to suffer from a flare-up. Also known as gouty arthritis, a gout attack begins with a burning or itching feeling in your joints. The next sign is redness, swelling, or severe pain in the joint. This is caused by a buildup of uric acid around the joints, which forms uncomfortable uric crystals. This condition can be so painful that anything touching the joint—even a bedsheet—can cause severe pain.

If you are suffering from a gout attack or flare-up, you don’t need to agonize alone or in silence. There are a few things you can do to ease the pain and prevent future flare-ups.

Over-the-counter treatments.

Several over-the-counter treatments can help relieve the pain caused by a gout attack. These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lower uric acid levels and treat episodes of inflammation. Some good choices include Aleve, Motrin, and Advil, and, when taken in prescription doses, can be very effective.

Contact Carolina Arthritis for guidance and to learn more about this strategy for your gout attacks.

Change your diet.

Many dietary and lifestyle changes can assist in recovery. Foods high in purines can increase the uric acid in your blood and trigger a gout flare-up. Some of these foods include:

• Some seafood
• Organ meats like liver
• Fatty foods

Fructose-sweetened drinks and alcohol, especially beer, can have a similar effect. If you’re suffering from gout, limiting your intake of these foods is a great place to start. You should also make an effort to drink more water. Allowing yourself to become dehydrated can cause your uric acid levels to rise. Drinking more water will help keep things at a normal level.

[We know the foods to avoid, what about the ones that help manage? Click here for more information!]

Ice, elevate, and relax.

As long as the pain isn’t too extreme, a cold compression or ice pack applied gently to the area can help ease the inflammation. For the most effective treatment, ice the joint for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day and keep the affected area elevated. Another trigger for gout is stress.

While a gout flare-up can put you on edge, it’s crucial to keep calm and do your best to relax. Try watching a movie, reading a favorite book, or catching up with a friend to keep your mind off things.

Steroids treatments.

If you can’t take over-the-counter drugs or if they are not effective, you can try the steroid drug prednisone instead. Prednisone is usually given orally for two weeks, with less given each day to ween the patient off. If you’re hospitalized, it can also be given intravenously.

Make an appointment with Carolina Arthritis.

There are several different gout-specific medications, such as Colchicine, Allopurinol, and Probenecid, and it can be tricky to figure out which one is best for you. This is why we recommend making an appointment with Carolina Arthritis.

Carolina Arthritis’s team of specialized doctors can meet with you to discuss your specific situation and create a tailored treatment plan specific to you. Don’t wait for your next gout attack—contact us today and get the relief you need today.

How to cure gout on the legs [effective SWT method]

Gout is the deposition of uric acid salts in various tissues of the body, most often in the joints and cartilage. With gout of the legs, physiotherapy, especially the SWT method, significantly improves well-being.

“Gout <…> gave birth to hell itself,” wrote I.A. Krylov. Of course, the nature of the occurrence of this disease is different, but nevertheless it delivers a lot of “hellish” troubles to its carriers.

The disease is especially common among Caucasians and occurs in 50 men and 10 women out of a thousand. In order for gout not to lead to serious complications, it needs to be diagnosed and treated in time.

1. Causes and symptoms of gout

2.
How to treat gout in the legs

2.1. Prevention of gout on the legs

Causes and symptoms of gout

Gout belongs to the group of arthritis. Arthritis refers to any disease of the joints. The term “gout” is used when talking about the deposition of uric acid salts in various tissues of the body, most often in the joints and cartilage. What is causing this process?

Uric acid is a product of the breakdown of purines, special substances that are produced in our body, and also get to us with food. We get a large amount of purines when we eat fatty meat and fish (herring, sardine, cod), organ meats (sausages, sausages), fast food. And also when we drink alcohol (especially beer and grape wine), unnatural juices, sweet carbonated drinks, coffee. In this case, a huge amount of uric acid is synthesized in the body, and the kidneys cannot cope with its excretion. Another cause of gout is when the body produces a normal amount of this acid, but the kidneys are unable to remove it due to any pathologies.

Salts of uric acid (urates) are deposited in joints, especially small ones, gradually destroying them. Salt deposition is most susceptible to injured joints. The joint of the big toe (popularly called the “big bone on the leg”) becomes the object of the lesion due to the fact that we wear uncomfortable, narrow shoes. Gout can also lead to the formation of kidney stones, which in turn can lead to kidney failure, which in some cases can be fatal.

Symptoms of gout may include:

• acute joint pain (especially after heavy meals or large amounts of alcohol). Sometimes the sensations are so unbearable that it hurts even from the fact that a sheet lies on the arm or leg. The pain begins to torment at night, passes during the day, and then returns again. This may take several days or even months;
• redness and swelling of the joint;
• increased temperature in the joint area up to 39–40°C;
• fever;
• general weakness.

If the attacks are repeated again and again, then, for example, gout of the toe can go to other joints, making them painful and inactive.

Gout is considered a disease of the elderly, but due to the fact that a modern person consumes a lot of fats and alcohol, in particular beer, this leads to a “rejuvenation” of the pathology. The disease is chronic, that is, it cannot be completely cured. But in order to avoid serious consequences, one should resort to therapy that will stop or slow down the process of destruction of the joints.

How to treat gout in the legs

Since the Middle Ages, gout has been called the “disease of kings”, since it was the holiest persons who had the opportunity to indulge themselves in plentiful meals and were prone to gluttony. Therefore, first of all, to control gout, you need to reconsider the diet. You should reduce the consumption of meat and meat offal, refuse fatty foods, beans and fish caviar, beer, wine and, if possible, other alcoholic beverages. Patients with gout are usually prescribed dietary table number 6. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day. Mineral waters such as Borjomi, Narzan, Essentuki will be useful.

In acute attacks of gout, it is recommended to apply ice to the inflamed area, make compresses with dimexide. The use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that do not contain steroids is shown.

Please note!

American scientists have established the relationship between calcium and ascorbic acid deficiency in the body and the development of gout. Therefore, as a treatment and prevention of the disease, it is necessary, in agreement with the doctor, to take these substances.

Physiotherapy significantly improves the well-being of the leg with gout. One of the most advanced and high-tech treatments for gout is shock wave therapy. When exposed to the affected tissue by a shock wave of a certain frequency, the following occurs: microcrystals of salts and connective tissue seals are loosened, blood flow increases tenfold, which in turn leads to the absorption of salts and tissue restoration.

In particularly severe cases, surgical methods are used to remove deposits of uric acid in the joints. But, in order to avoid this, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of arthritic diseases, such as gout of the foot.

Prevention of gout on the legs

In order for the joints of your legs to retain mobility and performance until old age, you should pay attention to the following preventive measures:

• lead an active lifestyle, walk more, do exercises in the morning;
• give up bad habits;
• eat more grains, vegetables, fruits, boiled or steamed meats and fish;
• drink more plain water;
• for preventive purposes, take a blood test to determine the content of the most important vitamins and minerals. If necessary, supplement the diet with a mineral-vitamin complex.

If you still experience gout, do not rush to despair. The main thing – do not postpone the solution of the problem “for later”, contact the specialists. A reliable assistant in the fight against the disease will be the method of shock wave therapy (SWT) we have already noted. You will find some of the most affordable prices for procedures at the Health Plus Medical Center. Even the elderly can receive effective and affordable treatment here. Procedures at the Health Plus Medical Center are performed without anesthesia in a course of several sessions of 10-15 minutes each, the number of which depends on the severity and duration of the disease. Qualified specialists will help you maintain a healthy state of the body.

Alkaline Drinks for Gout: A List of Beneficial Options

This article provides a list of alkaline drinks that may be helpful for gout. Find out which drinks can help lower uric acid levels in the body and alleviate the symptoms of gout.

Gout is a chronic disease characterized by impaired metabolism of purine substances in the body. One of the main manifestations of gout is the formation of uric acid, which leads to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues of the body. One of the ways to fight gout is proper nutrition. Alkaline drinks can be a healthy addition to your diet as they help reduce acid levels in the body and improve metabolism.

Which drinks can be used for gout? First, it’s lemon water. Lemon contains citrates, which contribute to the destruction of uric acid crystals and its removal from the body. To prepare lemon water, simply squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.

Secondly, cucumber juice can be a useful drink for gout. Cucumbers contain a lot of water and low acidity, which helps to reduce the level of uric acid in the body. To prepare cucumber juice, you need to cut cucumbers and pass them through a juicer or blender. The resulting juice can be drunk on its own or added to other drinks such as green tea or lemon water.

A third alkaline drink option for gout can be milk. Milk contains a lot of potassium, which helps to reduce the level of uric acid in the body. However, it is worth noting that milk can cause an increase in gout symptoms in some people, so its consumption should be discussed with a doctor.

It is important to remember that alkaline drinks are not a panacea for gout and should be used in conjunction with other treatments and proper nutrition. Before starting to drink alkaline drinks, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or nutritionist so that they can evaluate your condition and select the most appropriate drink options for you.

Lemon Soda Lemonade

Lemon Soda Lemonade is a great refreshing drink to treat gout. Lemon is a source of vitamin C, which helps fight inflammation and reduce the risk of gout attacks. Soda, due to its alkaline properties, helps to normalize the level of acidity in the body, which is also useful for gout.

To make lemonade with lemon and soda, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 liter of water
• honey or other natural sweetener to taste

Squeeze the juice from the lemon first. Then pour water into a large container or jug ​​and add lemon juice. Next, add soda and mix well so that the soda is completely dissolved. Optionally, you can add honey or other natural sweetener to add sweetness to the drink.

Lemon and soda lemonade can be drunk throughout the day like a regular drink. It will help moisturize the body, supply it with vitamin C and normalize the acid-base balance. However, before drinking lemonade for gout, it is recommended to consult a doctor to take into account the individual characteristics of the body and the state of health.

Alkaline orange juice

Orange juice is one of the most popular drinks for gout. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Adding alkali to orange juice can enhance its beneficial properties and help manage gout symptoms.

An alkali such as baking soda can help neutralize excess acid in the body, which is especially important for gout, as the disease is associated with elevated uric acid levels. Adding a small amount of baking soda to orange juice can help reduce acid levels in the body and improve overall health.

To make alkaline orange juice, you need fresh oranges and soda. You can use a manual juicer or juicer to get fresh juice from oranges. Then add a pinch of baking soda to a glass of juice and mix well. It is important to remember that the addition of soda should be small so as not to spoil the taste of the drink.

Alkaline orange juice can be consumed daily as a refreshing and healthy drink. It will help you maintain a normal level of acidity in the body and reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. However, before consuming new foods or drinks, especially if you have a medical condition, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.

Grapefruit juice with milk

Grapefruit juice with milk is one of the alkaline drink options recommended for gout. Grapefruit juice contains vitamin C, which helps reduce uric acid levels in the body. Milk, in turn, is rich in calcium, which helps strengthen bones and joints.

To make grapefruit juice with milk, mix freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with an equal amount of cold milk. You can add a little honey or sugar to make the drink sweeter. Before use, it is recommended to cool the drink in the refrigerator.

Grapefruit juice with milk can be taken at any time of the day. Not only does it help lower uric acid levels, but it also boosts the immune system, improves digestion, and reduces inflammation in the body. However, before drinking this drink, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you have any chronic diseases or contraindications to drinking grapefruit juice or milk.

Mint Kiwi Lemonade

Mint Kiwi Lemonade is a refreshing and delicious drink that helps reduce acidity in the body and improve metabolism. The main ingredient in this drink is kiwi, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

To make mint kiwi lemonade you will need the following ingredients:

1. 4 kiwis;
2. juice from 2 lemons;
3. juice from 1 orange;
4. a few sprigs of fresh mint;
5. 2 tablespoons honey;
6. ice;
7. water.

To make a drink, first peel the kiwi and cut it into pieces. Then squeeze the juice from the lemons and orange. Place kiwifruit, juices, honey and ice in a blender and blend until smooth.

Add fresh mint and whisk again to disperse the mint flavor throughout the drink. Pour the kiwi lemonade into glasses and add a little water to dilute the drink to taste. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint and serve immediately after preparation.

Mint Kiwi Lemonade is a great choice for those who want to try something new and healthy. This drink will help you quench your thirst, improve digestion and maintain the health of the body as a whole.

Lemon Ginger Alkaline Tea

Lemon Ginger Alkaline Tea is an excellent beverage choice for gout sufferers. This tea helps to normalize the level of acidity in the body and improve metabolism.

Lemon tea is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, lemon has alkaline properties, which helps to normalize the acid-base balance.

Ginger, in turn, has anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood circulation. It also helps reduce the pain that can occur with gout.

To prepare alkaline tea with lemon and ginger, infuse ginger in boiling water and add lemon juice. You can also add honey to make the drink sweeter.

It is recommended to consume this tea daily in the morning on an empty stomach or during lunch. This will help to activate the metabolism, reduce the level of acidity and improve the general condition of the body.

Watermelon Juice with Baking Soda

Watermelon Juice with Baking Soda is an alkaline drink option that can be helpful for gout. Watermelons are rich in vitamins and minerals and also contain diuretic properties, which can help in lowering uric acid levels in the body.

To prepare watermelon juice with the addition of soda, it is necessary to cut the watermelon into pieces and grind them in a blender until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Then the juice should be strained through a sieve or cheesecloth to get rid of the pieces of watermelon.

Next, a pinch of baking soda can be added to the resulting watermelon juice, which will help balance the level of acidity in the body. Baking soda can also help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of gout.

Watermelon juice with soda can be consumed as a drink throughout the day. However, before consuming a new food or drink, especially if you have a medical problem, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or dietitian.

Aloe Vera with Honey and Lemon

Aloe Vera with Honey and Lemon is an excellent alkaline drink that can be helpful for gout. Aloe vera contains many beneficial substances, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which help to strengthen the immune system and improve the general condition of the body.

Honey and lemon are also valuable ingredients in this drink. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, and also helps to remove toxins from the body. Lemon contains vitamin C, which helps to strengthen blood vessels and reduce the level of uric acid in the blood.

Aloe vera with honey and lemon is made with 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera juice, 1 teaspoon of honey and half the juice of a lemon. All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed in a glass and consumed in the morning on an empty stomach.

This drink will help reduce the level of uric acid in the body, improve digestion and overall health of the body. However, before consuming aloe vera with honey and lemon, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you have any chronic diseases or are taking medication.

Carrot juice with soda added

Carrot juice with soda added is one of the alkaline drinks that can be helpful for gout. Carrot juice is rich in vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the body and improve overall health.

Adding baking soda to carrot juice may increase the alkaline effect of the drink. Baking soda is alkaline and can help neutralize excess acid in the body, which is especially important for gout, as the disease is associated with elevated levels of uric acid.

You can use fresh carrots and baking soda to make carrot juice with baking soda. First peel and cut the carrots, then run them through a juicer. Mix the resulting juice with a small amount of soda and mix thoroughly.

Carrot juice with baking soda is recommended to be consumed 1-2 glasses a day. However, before drinking this drink, it is necessary to consult a doctor, as each organism is individual and may require an individual approach to the diet and diet for gout.

Q&A:

Tell me, what alkaline drinks can be used for gout?

Alkaline drinks such as lemon water, green tea, herbal decoctions, and fruit and vegetable juices are recommended for gout.

What are the benefits of alkaline drinks for gout?

Alkaline drinks for gout help lower uric acid levels in the body, which can reduce the risk of gouty tumors and inflammation in the joints.

Is it possible to drink alkaline drinks in unlimited quantities with gout?

No, unlimited alkaline drinks are not recommended for gout. While they can be helpful, drinking too many alkaline drinks can lead to an imbalance in the body’s pH balance.

Which alkaline drinks are best for gout?

It is best to drink alkaline drinks that are high in antioxidants and vitamins, such as lemon water, green tea, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

Can alkaline drinks completely cure gout?

No, alkaline drinks cannot completely cure gout. They can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of gouty tumors, but a full cure requires a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

How often should I drink alkaline drinks for gout?

The frequency of drinking alkaline drinks for gout may depend on the individual.