Published: August 08, 2019

Gout: What is it and Why Does it Hurt so Badly?

Gout flares are painful attacks that can last for Weeks.

Gout is a form of arthritis and you can have recurrent flares.

A flare occurs when uric acid crystals deposit in and around a joint. This happens most often in the big toe joint, but gout can occur in any joint.

Symptoms of a Gout Flare:

• Warm to the touch
• Redness
• Swelling
• Extreme Pain – will hurt to have the sheets touch your foot

Why did I get a Gout Attack?

Levels of uric acid are too high in the blood due to:

• Dehydration
  • Working outside in the hot sun
  • Not drinking enough water
  • Drinking Alcohol
  • Playing golf/fishing and drinking Alcohol
• Trauma
  • Falling, tripping or stubbing your toe
  • Shoes that are too tight
• Diet
  • Red meat/organ meat
  • Shellfish – shrimp/lobster/crab
  • Sugary Drinks
  • Alcohol – Beer
  • Avocado, spinach, green peas, mushrooms, and asparagus

Treatment

• Call your Podiatrist to be evaluated – Pain can be drastically reduced in several days with Prescription medications.
• Prescription anti-inflammatories
• Steroids
• Avoid red meat and shellfish
• Increase water consumption
• Gout and Cellulitis (bacterial skin infection) can look similar, but have different treatments. It is best to be evaluated by a medical professional.