HEALTH ISSUES

Neuroma

Gout

Plantar Fasciitis

Proper Fitting Shoes

Hammertoes

Gout

Gout can produce a form of arthritis that usually affects one joint, most commonly the first metatarsal-phanlangeal joint (the big toe joint). While the most common form affects men, especially after the age of 45, it may be seen infrequently in post-menopausal women. Gout is a metabolic disturbance that results from the over-production or under-secretion of uric acid. Uric acid comes from our intake of foods, which normally contain amino-acids called purines. Purines break down into uric acid. Different foods contain different amounts of purines. If the blood contains an excess of uric acid, there can be that tendency for it to crystallize within the joints, such as the big toe joint. This usually results in severe pain, redness, and swelling. Even vibrations in the room are enough to aggravate the pain in a classic attack. Fortunately, attacks can be treated with several medications and certain dietary changes. One medication is Indocin, which is a commonly dispensed anti-inflammatory. Other medications used to treat gout include Colchicine, Allopurinol, and Probenecid. Colchicine is a gout specific anti-inflammatory. Allopurinol and Probenecid can be used to control the underlying cause of having too much uric acid, either over-production or under-secretion, respectively.

Treatment of Gout by Diet

Foods Allowed in the Treatment of Gout (Low in Purine)

Cereals
(except whole grain)
Cream
Tapioca
Cucumber
Beet greens
Rutabaga

Breads
(except whole grain)
Egg
Butter and all fats
Eggplant
Broccoli
String beans

Potato
(white and sweet)
Fruit
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Pumpkin
Lettuce

Milk
Carrots
Celery
Turnip
Beets
Tomato

Foods Allowed Occasionally in the Treatment of Gout

Chicken
Fresh salmon
Haddock

Oyster
Bacon

Crab
Whitefish

Lobster
Lamb

Foods to Avoid in the Treatment of Gout (High in Purine)

Whole grain cereals
Beef
Codfish
Spinach
Mushrooms
Kidney beans
Turkey
Meat soup
Horseradish
Alcohol
Coffee

Whole grain bread
Veal
Brains
Watercress
Lima beans
Sausage
Squab
Kidney
Garlic
Catsup
Cocoa

Sweetbread
Goose
Calf’s tongue
Radish
Navy beans
Anchovy
Bouillon
Sardine
Mustard
Pepper

Liver
Pike
Lentil
Peas
Perch
Pork
Gravy
Paprika
Spices
Tea