Gout is a painful inflammation of the joints, most commonly isolated to the joint at the base of the big toe. Gout is severely painful and causes great discomfort while walking. Someone with this condition will experience extreme tenderness along the joint line as well as skin warmth and swelling. Learn more about gout.
What Causes Gout
- Gout primarily affects men because women typically have lower uric acid levels. Men are likely to develop gout earlier in life, typically between ages 30-50.
- Diet is a major contributor to gout. Eating a diet rich in red meat, shellfish, and beer/alcoholic beverages sweetened with fructose can increase levels of uric acid in your blood and cause gout.
- If members of your family have gout, you are at higher risk of getting gout as well.
- Low-dose aspirin and some medications used to control hypertension — including thiazide diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and beta blockers — also can increase uric acid levels.
- If you are overweight, your body will produce more uric acid and have a harder time filtering it out.
How to Relieve Gout
- It is important to wear shoes that fit properly. Look for a shoe with a wide toe box and a rocker bottom sole to help relieve pressure on the metatarsal heads and joints.
- Adding a metatarsal pad and some shock absorption beneath the foot can also help provide some relief.
- Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly prescribed at the beginning of onset
- Icing the joint can help to take the swelling down.
- Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to decrease the production of uric acid or help with uric acid elimination.
- Those who are susceptible to gout may want to consider a "gout diet," which primarily focuses on avoiding foods that will increase the production of uric acid.
How Insoles Help With Gout
Insoles help manage gout symptoms by:
- Reducing pressure on painful joints, especially in the big toe
- Distributing weight away from gout-affected areas
- Stabilizing the foot to prevent awkward movements that could trigger pain
- Supporting proper alignment to reduce stress on affected joints
- Making shoes more comfortable when feet are swollen
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