Gout and Your Feet: 3 Ways to Prevent a Painful Flare-Up

The intense pain of a gout flare-up can keep you up at night and make going about your day difficult. While there’s no sure-fire way to prevent symptoms when you have gout, you can take steps to greatly lower your risk of a pain attack.  

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, treats acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) foot pain conditions — including gout and other forms of arthritis.

Consider these proven ways to reduce your odds of a gout attack:

1. Stay well-hydrated

Gout happens when you have high levels or uric acid in your blood. The excess uric acid forms crystals in your joints, often in your big toe, leading to redness, swelling, and pain.

Good hydration helps ensure that your body rids itself of excess uric acid, guarding against gout symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation recommends drinking at least eight cups (64 ounces) of nonalcoholic, sugar-free beverages per day to manage gout. 

Especially good options include water, herbal tea, and low-fat milk or kefir. You can also boost your fluid intake with fluid-rich foods, like broth-based soups and fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Eat a gout-friendly diet

A gout-friendly diet staves off inflammation and prevents high uric acid levels. Your diet should limit high-purine foods, such as organ meats, red meat, and anchovies, as well as sugary drinks and alcohol.

Foods that help reduce inflammation include colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans and lentils, salmon, and modest amounts of unsalted nuts and flaxseeds. When you eat the occasional sugary dessert or high-purine food, keep your portion small.

3. Stay physically active

Exercise may not appeal once you’re experiencing joint pain, but staying appropriately active is a great way to prevent gout pain flares. Routine exercise improves blood flow to joint tissue, increases muscle strength around your joints, and reduces inflammation. 

To go easy on your joints, choose low-impact activities, such as walking, biking, and swimming. Ease into exercise sessions, starting with a light warm-up, and consider icing arthritic joints for up to 20 minutes afterwards. If you’re new to physical activity, start with brief, 5-10 minute workouts and increase your efforts gradually.

Getting personalized support

Our team is ready to help you manage gout symptoms affecting your feet or ankles. After an exam, we can offer a customized treatment plan and recommend specific ways to prevent pain flare-ups based on your overall health and lifestyle.

To learn more or get started, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today. You can also use our easy online scheduler to book an appointment anytime.