Avoid These Foods If You Have Gout

Avoid These Foods If You Have Gout

Gout is the most frequently diagnosed type of inflammatory arthritis, affecting over 9 million people. 

The condition is sometimes called the disease of kings, since it is brought on by a diet that includes rich foods and excessive alcohol. Centuries ago, the wealthy were the only ones who could enjoy such indulgences. 

The impact that diet has on gout symptoms and flare-ups hasn’t changed, and there are dietary recommendations that Billy Reilly, MS, PT, and Paul LaRosa, MS, PT, discuss with you when they provide treatment to relieve you of gout pain and discomfort. 

Their personal touch, no matter what Empire Physical Therapy & Athletic Rehabilitation service you seek, is part of the reason they’re such a trusted team — that, and their expertise and breadth of knowledge about advanced physical therapy practices and tools.

The basics of gout

The reason we so closely associate diet with gout is because it develops when there’s a surplus of a waste product in your body called uric acid. Certain foods and drinks can increase your body’s uric acid levels. 

Diet, along with being overweight, living with diabetes, and high alcohol consumption can all raise your risk for gout because they affect your kidneys’ ability to eliminate the uric acid efficiently.

You’re also at higher risk for gout if you’re an older person, and men are more prone to the condition. 

Though any joint can be affected by gout, most often it’s the joint of the big toe, and symptoms include:

Pain is at its worst typically 4-12 hours from its initial onset. Another difficult thing about gout symptoms is that they often emerge suddenly at night. In fact, sensitivity may be so bad that it’s even too painful to have something as lightweight as a bedsheet resting on your joint. 

Change your diet to ward off gout flares

You may be relieved to learn that what you eat and drink can reduce the chances that you’ll suffer a gout flare-up. Foods and beverages that you should avoid include:

Though this seems like a lot to eliminate from your diet, there are plenty of things you can still eat that are perfectly satisfying. An anti-gout diet is rich in fruit and veggies, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, and starches like potatoes, rice, and bread. It’s also OK to eat chicken and eggs in moderation. 

Team up with your physical therapist to fight gout

When you collaborate with your physical therapist to complement what they do in your sessions by practicing good lifestyle habits, like keeping your weight in check, eating an anti-gout diet, and staying well hydrated, you can do better staving off gout. 

Since you see the same provider each time you visit us, we really get to know your experience with gout, whether you are taking pain-relieving medication, and if your symptoms have made you more sedentary, altered the way you walk, or impeded your mobility in any way. 

With this detailed knowledge of your condition in hand, they can listen to your questions and concerns and develop a treatment plan that’s best for you. It may include a customized approach to strengthening your muscles and enhancing your mobility. 

They may also recommend a functional movement screen, a test that examines a series of your movement patterns to determine what problems need addressing so you can move freely, painlessly, and correctly. 

We want to give you lasting relief from gout, increase your flexibility, and better your balance — all things that help you in your day-to-day life, whether you’re at home or on the tennis court. 

Call our office at 607-602-1330 to book an appointment with us, or request one online. We look forward to meeting with you and finding the best solutions to relieve you of your gout symptoms.

We’re located in New York City in Manhattan’s Midtown East section.

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