Here is a scenario that is not uncommon for us here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists in Middlesex County to see at this time of the year. After a delicious and rich holiday meal of shrimp cocktail followed by roast beef, potatoes in cream sauce and red wine, topped off with a nice glass of brandy, a patient wakes up in the middle of the night with agonizing pain in the big toe joint. This is the calling card of an arthritic condition known as gout. 

What’s Going On?

Gout attacks happen when uric acid builds up in the body and crystallizes in a joint. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of chemicals called purines which occur naturally in our bodies and in certain foods. In some cases, the body may produce too much uric acid or it may have difficulty eliminating normal amounts from the system. The big toe is the most frequent target of gout because the uric acid crystalizes at cooler temperatures and the toe is the body part that is the coldest, being the farthest from the heart. For some patients the tendency for gout is genetic. There are other risk factors too, however. These include:

  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Chemotherapy and certain medications
  • Surgery

What Can Be Done?

If it’s your first time having gout, you should contact our Cromwell office for an appointment by calling (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will examine your foot and toe and also get a complete medical history. X-rays or lab tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. The foot doctor may recommend that you avoid foods high in purines (shellfish, red meat, red wine, organ meats, and brandy). Drinking plenty of water can help flush excess uric acid from your body. Medications are also available to help prevent future attacks.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416