Gout

A: Gout is a condition that occurs when there is too much uric acid in your blood and the uric acid crystals end up in the big toe joint or other joints in the foot causing the foot to become red, hot, and swollen. You will know when you have a gout attack because your foot will hurt so bad that the sheets will not be able to touch the foot and you will not be able to put any weight on the foot. Most people will have a gout attack at the base of the big toe where the joint meets.

A: Do not put ice on the foot because it will cause the gout attack to become worse. Ice will attract uric acid crystals to the area causing more pain. The best treatment for gout is a cortisone injection around the joint which will give instant pain relief. Anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen and naproxen are taken to treat the inflammation. Drinking tart cherry juice is also helpful for treating a gout attack.

A: Red meat, wine, shellfish like oyster shrimp mussels clams and asparagus, liver, alcohol like beer or liquor.

A: Typically the base of your big toe where it meets the foot will become red, hot and swollen. It is so painful you will not be able to touch it or put weight on it. This can also happen to the top of your foot or the side of your foot.

A: Gout is caused when there is too much uric acid in the blood and it becomes crystals that deposit into the foot joints. Certain foods like shellfish, red meat, wine and alcohol will cause a gout attack and cause the foot to become red hot and swollen.

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