Gout’s Favorite Target: Your Feet

Why the foot? The feet—particularly the big toe—are naturally cooler than the rest of the body, making them an ideal spot for uric acid crystals to settle and solidify. Once they do, the pain is unmistakable.

Many patients describe the onset of a gout flare as feeling like the joint is “on fire.” The swelling can be so severe it mimics an infection, and walking becomes nearly impossible.

How to Keep Gout Out of Your Life

Here are practical, proven strategies that support foot health and keep gout at bay:

1. Watch Your Diet

  • Avoid purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats (liver, kidney), and certain seafoods like anchovies and sardines. These break down into uric acid in the body.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

  • Water helps flush uric acid from the kidneys. Aim for 8–12 glasses a day, especially in hot Florida weather.

3. Limit Alcohol

  • Beer and liquor are major gout triggers. Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to eliminate uric acid.

4. Choose Gout-Fighting Foods

  • Cherries: These tart little fruits reduce uric acid and inflammation.

  • Low-fat dairy: Milk and yogurt can lower your risk of gout attacks.

  • Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, peppers, and broccoli, it helps reduce uric acid levels.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity increases uric acid levels. Even modest weight loss reduces the risk of flares.

When to See a Podiatrist

Recurring gout attacks can lead to chronic arthritis and joint damage in the feet. If you're experiencing frequent flares or unexplained joint pain, a quick visit with our podiatrist can help confirm the diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan.

At Tri County Foot & Ankle Center, we understand the toll gout takes—not just on your joints, but on your lifestyle. With the right care, you can reduce attacks and regain mobility. Our highly trained Foot and Ankle Doctors can help determine the best treatment plan to help you find relief

Our Podiatry offices are conveniently located in Bayonne, East Brunswick, Jersey City, Kearny, and Randolph, NJ. Call or fill out a request appointment form to schedule your appointment to get started.

Your feet shouldn’t hurt when you wake up. Let’s make sure gout doesn’t take another step.

Foot Pain, gout, arthritisTRI COUNTY FOOT AND ANKLE CENTERri County Foot & Ankle Center