At Beacon Clinic, we help patients with long-term medical issues requiring extended treatment or permanent management, including cancer and rheumatic conditions. While most people associate rheumatism with rheumatic arthritis, it can encompass many other autoimmune conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, scleroderma, and gout.
Gout is a type of rheumatic condition characterized by sudden and severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, and it often affects one of the big toes. The inflammation is caused by blood having excess uric acid, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. While gout can be excruciating, there are several ways you can alleviate pain that do not involve the use of drugs. Lifestyle changes can help you minimize gout flare-ups. If you suffer from gout, below are some helpful strategies to incorporate into your daily routine.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Diet is crucial in managing gout. Foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood, can increase uric acid levels in the blood. To reduce the risk of gout attacks caused by diet:
- Limit purine-rich foods: Avoid or reduce intake of foods rich in purines, a crystalline compound that forms uric acid. These foods include red meats, shellfish, and liver.
- Increase low-purine foods: Opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration is always a healthy habit, and drinking water helps flush uric acid from your system.
- Limit alcohol: Cut alcohol intake, especially beer and spirits, as they can increase uric acid levels.
- Manage Your Weight: Excess weight can increase uric acid levels and put extra stress on your joints. Shedding extra pounds can reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Here are some tips:
- Exercise regularly: A regular exercise routine should provide at least 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise (such as jogging or stair-stepping) or 1.25 hours of vigorous physical activity weekly, along with muscle-strengthening exercises.
- Eat healthy: Focus on consuming a balanced diet with appropriate portion sizes. Avoid crash diets, which can trigger gout flare-ups.
- Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity is essential for overall health at any age or condition, and it is especially effective for managing gout. Exercise helps control weight, reduce stress, and improve joint function. However, it’s essential to choose suitable activities.
- Low-impact exercises: Swimming, walking, and cycling are gentle on the joints.
- Strength training: Build muscle strength to support and protect your joints.
- Flexibility exercises: Stretching and yoga can improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Monitor Medications: Certain medications can increase uric acid levels. If you have gout, review all medications with your healthcare provider to ensure they aren’t exacerbating your gout. If you do find problems, discuss ways to adjust your medication regimen with your doctor or ask about prescribing uric acid-lowering drugs. Common culprits include:
- Diuretics: Often used to treat high blood pressure.
- Aspirin: Especially low-dose aspirin.
- Niacin: Used to control cholesterol levels.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can trigger gout attacks, so find ways to manage and reduce stress. Techniques to consider include:
- Mindfulness and meditation: Practice regularly to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Adequate sleep: Establish a daily routine that provides you with 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Hobbies and leisure activities: Engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax.
- Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks: High-fructose corn syrup and sugary beverages can elevate uric acid levels. To help manage gout:
- Limit sugary drinks: Avoid sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks with added sugars.
- Check food labels: Be mindful of hidden sugars in processed foods.
Making well-considered adjustments to your lifestyle can significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of gout attacks, improving your quality of life. At Beacon Clinic, we specialize in treating rheumatic conditions, including gout. If you suffer from gout, don’t hesitate to contact us for a personalized treatment plan. Call Beacon Clinic in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, today to schedule a consultation with our rheumatologist, Dr. Dinning, and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
