Gout is a very painful condition that happens when there is a build up of uric acid in the blood. Knowing the common signs of gout in feet can help you to ensure you treat it properly and as soon as possible. In so doing, you can significantly reduce the pain associated with the condition.

Understanding the Common Signs of Gout in Feet:

Gout occurs in the joints, where it causes inflammation. It is most commonly felt in the knees, ankles, and feet. Around 5% of people with arthritis also have gout, suggesting that the two are related. Gout happens when too much uric acid builds up, creating crystals that sink into the lower extremities, where they cause inflammation and pain. It can happen in other parts of the body, but this is quite rare and most people feel it in the ankles and feet.

The kidneys are designed to filter uric acid out, passing it through urine. Sometimes, however, this goes wrong and the acid starts to crystallize. Sometimes, this is actually visible, with the location of the gout being swollen and lumpy. The common signs of gout in the feet are fairly easy to recognize. They include the fact that:

  • Attacks last between five and 10 days.
  • The pain is located in the joints of the lower extremities.
  • The pain is similar to that of arthritis.
  • The pain gets worse when the joint is used.

There are multiple causes of gout, but it is most commonly seen in people over 40. It is very rare for children to be affected by it. Excessive alcohol consumption over prolonged periods of time is a huge contributing factor to gout, but so is the use of certain medications (niacin and diuretics), exposure to environmental lead, and chemotherapy. All of those can lead to an overproduction of uric acid, and this can lead to gout. Indeed, falling into any of these categories is often used as a way to diagnose gout in its early stages.

Genetic Aspects of Gout:

There is also believed to be a genetic link to gout. The children of people with gout are more likely to develop it themselves. Similarly, it can be caused by injury, as trauma can enable the uric acid to gather in one location. If a joint experiences regular inflammation long after an injury, there is reason to believe that gout my be present.

Treatments for Gout:

Various forms of treatment exist, including prescription medication, over the counter drugs, and home remedies. They can be used to treat an acute occurrence of gout, but they can also be used to prevent a recurrence. People who know they are at risk of developing gout or who have had it in the past should drink more water, take anti-inflammatory drugs, and should avoid alcohol as much as possible. Herbal medications, such as ginger root, devil’s claw root, flowertops, and meadowsweet leaves have also had a positive impact in treating and preventing gout. Overall, gout is not dangerous but it can be incredibly debilitating. This is why it is important to be aware of its causes and treatments.