6 Ways to Prevent a Gout Flare-Up After St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day in the city is a blast, but for many, the aftermath may come with a hangover and a full-blown gout attack. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that usually strikes the big toe joint, turning it red, hot, and excruciatingly painful. If you’re reading this already in pain, we at My Chicago Foot Expert are here to provide some relief.
1. Flood Your System with Water
The most effective way to prevent a post-holiday flare is to hydrate like it is your job. Alcohol is a diuretic that leaves you dehydrated, which causes the uric acid in your blood to become more concentrated. By drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water today, you help your kidneys filter out those sharp uric acid crystals before they can settle into your big toe joint.
2. Pivot to Low-Purine Proteins
Corned beef is a high-purine meat, meaning your body creates a lot of uric acid when breaking it down. For the next few days, you should give your system a break by choosing low-purine proteins. Reach for eggs, low-fat dairy, or plant-based proteins like tofu. This gives your kidneys a chance to catch up on the backlog of acid without adding more to the pile.
3. Boost Your Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps your kidneys excrete uric acid more efficiently. For the rest of March, load up on bell peppers, oranges, and strawberries. This can help protect your joints from the grinding pain of a flare-up.
4. Avoid the Sugary Green Leftovers
While you might be tempted to finish off that leftover Irish soda bread or green-frosted cupcakes, you should step away. High-fructose corn syrup and refined sugars are major triggers for gout because they compete with uric acid for excretion in your kidneys.
5. Keep Your Feet Moving Gently
While you shouldn’t go for a heavy run if your toe feels tingly, gentle movement helps maintain circulation.Good blood flow ensures that all that alcohol is being moved out of your feet and ankles. A light walk around your neighborhood in a supportive pair of sneakers will keep your joints mobile and prevent the stagnation that allows crystals to form.
6. Soak in Cool Water
If you feel a throb beginning in your big toe, do not reach for a heating pad. Heat can increase inflammation in an active gout site. Instead, use a cool soak or a cold compress. This helps numb the localized pain and stop flare-ups from worsening.
For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our new, comfortable Chicago office, located at 5015 N Paulina Street, Suite #217.
