All About Gout
What is Gout? Causes, Symptoms & Orthotic Solutions
Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the United States. This particular type of arthritis often causes foot pain, swelling, and mobility problems among other symptoms. Caused by a build-up of uric acid, gout is treatable with medications, diet changes, and orthotic solutions.
Continue reading to learn more about gout and foot pain as well as treatments that may help prevent or relieve gout pain including orthotic footwear and insoles.
In This Article
- What is gout?
- Causes and symptoms of gout.
- Treatments for gout and foot pain.
- Orthotic solutions and shoes.
- Is there a cure for gout?
Gout & Foot Arthritis
Gout is arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a naturally occurring byproduct created when the body breaks down chemicals from certain foods. When the kidneys cannot remove all the uric acid from blood, sharp crystals can form and build up in the joints.
The most common place gout develops is in the big toe joint. It can also affect the rest of your feet, ankles, knees, and even your hands or wrists. Gout can be disfiguring, and flare-ups are extremely painful, making it hard to walk or wear shoes.
Causes and Symptoms of Gout
Although gout can happen to anyone, certain risk factors may make you more prone. People who are overweight, have a family history of gout, or have a medical condition like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease may be at a greater risk.
One of the leading causes of gout is a diet that’s high in processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and animal proteins like deli turkey, red meat, seafood and organ or game meat. These foods and drinks are high in purines, which can increase the production of uric acid.
Gout pain comes and goes in episodes called flare-ups that may last up to two weeks at a time. Symptoms of gout include:
- Swelling
- Redness or discoloration
- Inflammation
- Warm to the touch
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Difficulty walking
Pain from gout is usually located above the big toe joint. However, it may spread to the big toes and the entire foot if left untreated. Most of these symptoms happen on one side of the body, but some gout sufferers have pain and burning on both sides. As gout gets worse, you may struggle to move your joints normally.
Treatments
The first step towards treating gout pain is to talk to a foot specialist about your symptoms. They can help find the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan. Symptom management is the key to gout pain relief.
The following treatments can help provide relief for gout pain:
- Pain relief medications like NSAIDs and medications used to treat arthritis help reduce inflammation that causes pain and swelling.
- Diet changes such as limiting your intake of certain foods and drinking plenty of water can help lower uric acid levels and improve kidney function.
- Natural remedies for gout include natural arthritis pain relief creams that reduce inflammation as well as herbs like lemon balm, devil's claw extract, hawthorn, and ginger that can restore proper balance to your body’s fluids.
- Mobility devices like canes, crutches, and gout shoes help ease pressure on the feet and joints so you can move around with more stability.
- Ice and elevate your joints to help manage gout flare ups. Icing the affected joint for 15 minutes a few times a day and keeping it elevated when at rest can help reduce inflammation.
- Other medications like prescription anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids and medications that specifically lower uric acid levels can also help minimize gout flare-ups.
Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce your risk of gout. If you are in pain, avoid intense physical activity and opt for low-impact exercises. To prevent gout attacks, talk to your doctor about what may be triggering your flare ups.
Orthotic Solutions and Shoes for Gout
Studies suggest that a quality pair of shoes can help relieve gout pain and improve mobility. Clinical trials from 2019 showed that quality shoes with cushioning and arch support are important for gout sufferers. The trials showed short-term improvements in foot pain and disability, noting that shoes should be replaced every six months.
Wearing the right shoes with cushioning and arch support insoles can ease pressure on the feet and joints. PowerStep® orthotic insoles can be added to shoes for arch support that’s clinically proven to relieve and prevent foot pain. PowerStep orthotics reduce stress on joints and provide stability to help improve overall foot function.
Ask your doctor if PowerStep insoles can help relieve gout pain in the big toe, feet or ankles as well as other foot conditions. As the #1 podiatrist recommended orthotic insoles, PowerStep also offers orthotic footwear like sandals and slippers. The best shoes for gout are sturdy, adjustable and supportive with cushioned soles and wide toe boxes to accommodate swelling.
Is there a cure for gout in the foot?
Gout cannot be cured, but treating your symptoms with the right medications and tools plus managing your diet can help reduce flare-ups. If you believe you may be experiencing signs of gout or have a family history of the condition, talk to your doctor or go to a foot specialist.
Visit Your Foot & Ankle Doctor for Gout Pain Relief
Gout is a painful condition that makes everyday activities feel impossible. Take control of your gout and visit a foot and ankle doctor to discuss solutions including medications, diet changes, shoes for gout arthritis, and PowerStep orthotics.
PowerStep does not diagnose or treat medical conditions like gout or arthritis. Orthotic insoles may help relieve pressure on arthritic joints, which may in turn relieve pain. Please see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of gout pain.
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 19). Gout: Symptoms, causes, treatments. Cleveland Clinic.
Cohen-Rosenblum, A. R., et all. (2022). Orthopaedic Management of Gout. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 6(11). https://doi.org/10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-22-00216
Edwards, J. (2022, August 16) Using Crutches for Gout, and Other Mobility Tools. Healthline.
Frecklington, M., et all. (2019). Effects of a footwear intervention on foot pain and disability in people with gout: a randomised controlled trial. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-019-1886-y
Gout - Symptoms and Causes. (2022, November 16). Mayo Clinic.
