Foot cramp

The symptoms of gout in the feet are:

• Extreme sensitivity of the foot or toe
• Intense pain that makes walking and standing up difficult. Even the pressure of a sheet or blanket can be too painful.
• Swelling and inflammation of the foot, usually visible as red, shiny skin
• Flaky, itchy skin around and on the affected area of the foot
• Rapid worsening of the pain, usually at night, followed by a reduction in the pain a few days later, accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting
• Lumps: as a result of the build-up of crystallised uric acid, so-called ‘gout lumps’ or ‘tophi’ may develop over time under the skin near the affected foot. They are usually not painful but can be bothersome and are not particularly attractive to look at. Not everyone who suffers from gout develops such lumps, but once a lump forms, it continues to grow and is usually followed by others.
• Many people with gout also develop kidney stones or kidney failure over time

If you have a gout attack in your foot, it is important not to put any more pressure on your feet. So make sure you walk as little as possible and, ideally, elevate the affected foot. You can reduce the pain with a wet cloth, but be careful with the cold, as this can make the inflammation worse. You may take a painkiller to relieve the pain.

Once the pain has subsided, it is important to start moving your foot again. If you do not do this, your foot will stiffen or cramp up, which may cause the symptoms to return more quickly and more severely. So move your foot regularly, but make sure you do not put too much pressure on it.

Drink (alkaline) water, at least 2 litres a day and preferably 3 litres a day. Do not consume alcohol and avoid foods rich in purines. This helps the body eliminate acidic waste products more quickly.

There are several causes that can trigger an attack:

• Stress
• Alcohol consumption
• Foods that are excessively high in protein
• Overweight
• Fever
• Rapid weight loss
• Joint impact