Mine (not real name) started having bouts with gout at age 36. “I am 70 now. I would think that I had sprained my ankle and since I was an athlete (running, and participating in sports), I just surmised that I had tripped and fell or something hit my ankle while exercising. But, upon further examination that was not the case”.
Gout is a form of arthritis and can strike anyone, male or female. It happens when a person consumes larger quantities of purines causing crystals to develop in your joints. It can happen almost anywhere in the body. However, it is most prevalent in extremities: legs, feet, toes, ankles, knees, elbow, hands, fingers, etc. It is associated with high levels of uric acid.
*Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines — natural substances found in every cell and in most foods. It’s mainly flushed out through the kidneys, but uric acid is much more than a waste product. It is a double-edged sword, increasing the risk of some health problems and helping prevent others.
“Most of my cases over the years have occurred in my feet, toes and ankles. I recall one day when I had a trip planned and had to catch a plane one morning. When I awoke I felt pain in my right ankle and foot. I could barely put my shoe on. I decided to travel and it was a poor decision.
I was limping from my car to the airport. And the three hour trip to Phoenix was difficult and caused me much pain. I was taking a medicine called Celebrex at the time which was what my primary care physician (PCP) had prescribed. But, it did not help at all. When I arrived and met the gentleman who was picking me up I asked him to take me directly to a pharmacy after my doctor called in some more medicine.
If pain happens to a human on a scale of 1-10 gout can register at any one of those numbers in between 1-10. In my case most of my episodes have been a 5-6 with about two 10’s. The tens happened when gout hit me in the right hand. The pain was unbearable and it felt like I had broken my hand (since I had broken my arm in Africa in 2005 I knew what breaking a bone{s] felt like and it was not good).
When you get tested it is good to keep uric acid at appropriate levels: High would be above 7 mg/dl. Low would be 2 md/dl.
Diet
You need to create a diet that alternates between chicken, red meat and shellfish, trying to avoid eating too much red meat. Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages or drink in moderation. Drop carbonated drinks and high fructose from your diet (see my diabetes article on this website). Drink lots of water and mix water with your fruit juices to reduce sugar levels.
Wonder drug: Allopurinol- is a wonder medicine. Since I have been taking a 300 mg. dose daily, for about 4 years now, I have had only a few bouts of gout. Before taking Allopurinol I would have about 2-4 bouts of gout annually. But, since then they happen only on occasion.Additionally, they are lower not only in frequency, but in severity.
One other homemade remedy that I have discovered is ice. Putting ice packs/cubes on your flared up area may help control the inflammation. When I get a bout of gout in my foot or ankle, hand, I put ice on the affected area for 20 minutes followed by off 40 minutes and do this about six times daily. Try it!
In summary, develop a good diet; don’t eat foods that are too rich in purines. See if your physician can recommend a plan of attack, including a medicine that works for you, for example Allopurinol, Celebrex