How do you treat Gout in the Big Toe? Answer here!
To treat and prevent an acute attack of gout in big toe, the aim is to reduce pain and inflammation. An immediate gout pain relief is is usually based on the administration of medication (anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine or glucocorticoids), as well as resting the affected joint and applying cold to the area to relieve symptoms. So, you can do:
- Take medications, such as colchicine and corticosteroids.
- Drink water to stay hydrated. If you are fluid restricted due to kidney failure, talk to your doctor or dietitian about gout and fluid management.
- Do not drink alcohol or eat foods high in purines.
- Take stress off the joint. For example, try walking with a cane.
- Elevate the affected joint.
- Apply a cold pack to keep the joint cool.
- Find ways to relieve tension caused by pain, such as deep breathing and meditation.
Here more advices:
1. Reach and maintain a healthy weight
Losing weight reduces uric acid levels and the risk of gout attacks, as well as reducing stress on joints. To achieve this, try to exercise regularly and, if necessary, take in fewer calories. A nutritionist can advise you on your needs in this regard.
2. Yes to water, no to alcohol
Talk to your doctor about the right fluid intake for you. In general, aim to drink at least ten to twelve glasses of water a day (about two litres a day), especially if you suffer from urate kidney stones. On the other hand, it would be advisable to cut down on beer (with and without alcohol) and high-proof alcoholic drinks, as they increase uric acid production and lead to dehydration.
3. Check your uric acid level regularly
If you are at increased risk of developing gout, it is very important to have regular blood tests to prevent and detect possible hyperuricaemia. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to be tested.
4. Check your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly
As more and more evidence shows that gout is associated with cardiovascular disease, it is very important to monitor the associated risk factors: cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Also, give up smoking.
5. Avoid foods rich in purines
If you are at risk of gout or your uric acid levels are already high, you should exclude or reduce your consumption of offal (kidney, sweetbreads, etc.) and red meat and game. Certain types of seafood and oily fish (anchovies, herring, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, haddock, mackerel and tuna) are also unsuitable.
6. But not vegetables
Studies show that, although high in purines, vegetables do not increase the risk of gout or recurrent acute attacks. For this reason, you can include asparagus, spinach, peas, cauliflower and mushrooms in your diet.2. Swap proteins and sugars for the Mediterranean diet.
7. Swap proteins and sugars for the Mediterranean diet
To prevent hyperuricaemia, it is advisable to moderate your consumption of protein-rich meat and seafood, as well as refined sugars (white bread, cakes, sweets, sweetened drinks such as some soft drinks…). Instead, try to eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and pulses.
8. Go for vitamin C
This can help to reduce the level of uric acid in the blood, so if you are at risk, you should eat citrus fruits rich in this nutrient, such as oranges, kiwis and mandarins. You can also ask your doctor about the possibility of taking daily supplements. Other foods or substances associated with a lower risk of gout attacks are cherries, caffeine – which should always be taken in moderation – and skimmed dairy products.
9. Be patient
Gout is one of the few rheumatological diseases that can be cured. Although it is a process that can take years, if uric acid levels are kept low long enough, the crystals will tend to dissolve. And without crystals, there is no gout and the disease is cured.
10. Faithfully follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor
If, as is very common in these cases, you also require pharmacological treatment prescribed by the doctor, do not forget to take it. Take responsibility for understanding what each drug is for and the situations in which they are taken in relation to your illness, as well as the possible side effects and what you should do if you have any problems. Ask your health care professional if you have any questions.