Why the big toe?
You may be wondering why gout prefers the big toe. It’s because the toes are just a little cooler than the rest of the body. The uric acid forms crystals more easily in a cooler environment. The wear and tear on your feet from walking every day may also contribute to it. Gout can attack other areas, including the shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, spine, pelvis and some organs of the body. Pass by the purines. Unlike osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, things that cause gout are a little easier to pinpoint. Being overweight and drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis are known to contribute to uric acid buildup. Also, eating too many foods high in “purines” could cause gout or worsen its symptoms. The body converts purines into uric acid. Foods high in purines include: liver brains sardines peas asparagus mushrooms kidneys anchovies scallops dried beans cauliflower spinach Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Water dilutes uric acid and aids its removal by the kidneys.