Gout
Gout is a very painful condition. It is a form of arthritis – inflammation that can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in a joint, often the big toe. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood [read more here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003476.htm. Most of the uric acid in the bloodstream is filtered and disposed in the urine. But excessive uric acid in the blood can occur, causing the formation of crystals that gravitate to the joints.
Severe pain in a single joint that comes on very quickly is a typical symptom of gout. Another characteristic is swollen, tender joints with overlying warm, reddened skin. Common sites for gout attacks are the big toes, the knees, ankles and other areas of the feet.
| Cause |
The chances of getting gout are higher if you are overweight, if you drink too much alcohol, or eat too much meat and fish that are high in purines, chemicals that are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. While purines are not bad as such, an excess intake of foods containing high levels of purines leads to overproduction of uric acid. Foods high in purine content are beer, other alcoholic beverages, anchovies, sardines, herring, yeast, organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads), legumes (dried beans, peas), meat extracts, consommé, gravies, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus and cauliflower.
Some medicines, such as diuretics, can also bring on gout.
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| Prevention and Treatment |
The best way to prevent gout is to prevent the buildup of uric acid in the blood. This is best done by avoiding purine-rich foods. In addition, these measures help prevent and treat gout:
- Take prescribed medications as directed;
- Maintain a healthy/balanced diet (the American Medical Association recommends a diet high in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables), low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, poultry), and no more than 30% of calories from fat (10% animal fat);
- Drink plenty of fluids/water and don’t overindulge in caffeinated drinks;
- Exercise and maintain a healthy body weight. CAUTION: Diets designed for quick or extreme weight loss can increase uric acid levels in the blood.
The Integrated comfort solution™ (ICS) (consisting of Thorlos engineered padded socks, an insert or orthotic as necessary, and properly designed and fitted shoes or boots) is the only clinically proven method to date that provides proactive protection against foot pain.
- The Thorlos engineered padded sock component of the Integrated Comfort Solution is the only clinically proven engineered sock that, when fitted properly using the ICS method, provides protection against foot pain caused by gout. The acrylic fibers provide moisture wicking properties that help maintain an optimal environment (warm and moist) for the skin of the feet (not too wet, but also not too dry). Together with the insert, the sock product helps reduce pressure, impact and shear forces that can further inflame the painful areas where gout is present.
- Inserts that provide cushioning and proper arch support help reduce stress on the feet to reduce the possibility of inflammation and overstress in areas where gout is likely to manifest.
- Properly designed and fitted shoes or boots provide sufficient width in the toe box that helps ensure minimal compression and rubbing of the big toe (the first metatarsal phalangeal joint), a common location for gout.
- As always, proper fitting of the three components, as a system, of the Integrated Comfort Solution helps assure minimal pressure, friction and shear on the feet.
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| Medical Issues |
While it can cause serious pain, gout is typically not a serious condition, and can be easily treated with prescription medication. It is, however, important to see your physician even if the pain from gout has disappeared. This is because the uric acid accumulation that caused the gout attack may still be irritating the joints and could eventually cause serious damage. Your physician can prescribe medications that will prevent and even reverse the uric acid accumulation.
Read more about gout here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000422.htm
Remember, ALWAYS consult your physician if you have pain or redness in any area of your feet that persists for more than a few days.
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| Socks for Gout |
We recommend these socks for preventing and relieving the pain from gout:
Padds
HPM
Call 1-888-846-7567 for more information
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I just bought 5 pair based on reviews, but they look a little thin for protecting your feet hiking,I'm in pain, worried about trying these tomorrow, it;s like i can feel the blisters already.. (only going 8 to 12 miles.) I do have hope this many reviews can't be wrong? 
Price is irrellivent when it comes to comfort vs. pain. Well worth every penny! 
