Gout Treatment Specialists

It is a myth that all gout cases are caused by a bad diet, but many of course are. An active lifestyle and a healthy diet are the cornerstones of a healthy body. Working long days in the office sitting in front of a computer or taking care of a family can naturally affect the amount of time we have to spend being active. Grabbing fast food after a long day may seem like an easy fix. The stress of our modern fast lifestyles also contributes to our activity levels and can easily lead to weight gain due to the body’s natural reaction to constant pressure and low sleep quality. All this can contribute to many health issues in the future including gout. 

Discuss alcohol consumption and gout with your treating clinician as part of your management plan.

Diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease are just a few conditions that are commonly accompanied by gout. As well as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and abnormal lipid levels are all related to an increased risk of obesity that in turn increases three times the risk of developing gout compared to people with a lower BMI. If you have a condition that puts you at a higher risk, consult a professional to find the best course of action for you.

Some medications have been shown to increase the risk of developing gout. Diuretics, beta-blockers and even aspirin have been associated with promoting gout attacks in some cases. While some of those medications cannot be avoided, always consult a professional if you suspect that your symptoms may be due to medication. In many cases, alternative treatments can be prescribed.

Our DNA is what defines us in terms of our eye or hair colour, our physical abilities and also how our bodies work and react to the environment that we live in. Family history of gout can be an indicator of a higher risk of developing it in the future. This is related to the production level of uric acid in the body. While it can be daunting to know that your genes put you at risk of developing gout, it’s also a positive thing to have the knowledge beforehand. While genes may increase the risk by up to 60%, a lot can be done by making informed choices along the way and avoiding contributing lifestyle factors.

Ever wondered why we tend to get gout in some joints and not others?  Many people get gout in certain joints because those particular joints are suffering from repetitive strain injuries that impact their metabolism. From this perspective, it’s unsurprising that the toe and foot joints that support your whole body weight countless times a day are the ones that tend to suffer most with gout. It is easy to overlook the role of mechanical joint stress in predisposing individuals to gout but it is nonetheless a common sense factor.