What should I pay attention to if I have gout?
Disease description:
Recently, I was diagnosed with gout, and my joints often experience severe pain, especially in the foot joints, which swell badly. Now I feel very distressed and don't know what aspects of my daily life I should pay attention to.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Patients with gout should pay attention to the following points in daily life:
1. Dietary control: Avoid high-purine foods such as organ meats, seafood, and red meat. Reduce alcohol consumption. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C.
2. Weight management: Obesity is an important risk factor for gout; therefore, patients should maintain an ideal weight and avoid excessive obesity.
3. Adequate hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to help excrete uric acid.
4. Moderate exercise: Appropriate physical activity can help promote the excretion of uric acid, but patients should avoid strenuous exercise to prevent additional stress on the joints. Joint warmth and care before and after exercise are important.
5. Smoking cessation: Smoking can affect uric acid excretion and increase the risk of gout attacks, so patients should quit smoking as soon as possible.
6. Follow medical advice regarding medication: Uric acid-lowering medications may be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking the medication or adjust the dosage without consulting a physician.
7. Regular monitoring: Regularly check blood uric acid levels and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
8. Foot protection: Gout commonly affects the joints of the toes, so patients should wear comfortable shoes.
