Gout is a type of arthritis which occurs when high levels of uric acid create crystals that accumulate in the joints.

The symptoms are usually sudden, with severe pain, redness and tenderness in the affected joint. Gout typically affects the big toe joint, but it can affect any joint in the foot.

The body creates Uric acid when it breaks down a substance called purine, which is found in many foods. In most people, the body produces a manageable amount of uric acid, and the kidneys eliminate any excess through the urine. However, those with Gout don't have sufficient control over the amount of uric acid in the blood. 

A gout diet aims to reduce the amount of purine you eat. For many people with Gout, diet changes (such as lowering the amount of purines in their food) alone are unlikely to be a single solution. Uric acid from food only makes up about 15 per cent of the uric acid in your body, making medication an important part of a treatment plan for gout.

However, while diet will not 'cure' gout it has been proven that a good diet can help reduce symptoms and the frequency of attacks.

 

Diet And Gout

Foods to Avoid if You Have Gout

• Alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor.
• Red meat, lamb, and pork
• Seafood, especially shellfish like shrimp, lobster, mussels, anchovies, and sardines
• High-fructose products like soda and some juices, cereal, ice cream, candy, and fast food

Good Foods To Help Reduce Gout Symptoms

• Fresh fruits (low in fructose) and vegetables (leafy greens)
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains
• Low-fat and nondairy products
• Eggs (in moderation)
• Plant-based oils: Including canola, coconut, olive and flax oils.
• Potatoes, rice, bread, and pasta

Reaching your ideal weight can also help manage your Gout symptoms.

It is also a good idea to drink a lot of fluids, 8-16 cups a day. At least half of what you drink should be water, and try to avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice. Limiting alcohol consumption can also aid in preventing flare-ups.

There are plenty of online resources with diet plans and suggested foods, so why not try one to see whether changing your diet helps!

Recommended Shoes For Gout

We have many customers with this condition. The right shoes can really help alleviate symptoms and pain when walking. Comfortable shoes are also essential if you want to exercise more as part of a weight management program.

Shoe Tips For Gout - Ensure shoes are wide enough.

Your toes must not feel crowded and restricted. Your feet naturally spread as you walk, and a tight fit can aggravate your gout symptoms. We recommend a 4E width fitting, which is a fitting which will give your foot adequate space.

 

A 2V width fitting would also work, as the 2V means the shoe will also accommodate a 4E foot shape due to features such as removable insoles or stretch uppers.

Shoe Tips For Gout - Choose shoes with a deep toe box

Your big toe or affected joints can be swollen or inflamed during a gout attack. Footwear with a deeper toe box will give the affected joints plenty of space and stop the top of the shoe from pressing on the joint, which can be very painful. 

A 4E width fitting gives extra depth as well as extra width. If your feet are very wide or you also have other foot conditions such as swelling, bunions or hammer toes, then you may find a 6E fitting more comfortable.

Again, a 2V fitting can also give additional depth by removing an insole (some 2V designs have two insoles and designed to allow one to be removed and still offer cushioning and support).

Shoe Tips For Gout - Choose shoes with flexible but supportive soles

Shoes with a supportive but flexible sole are preferable to shoes with a solid, rigid sole.

A flexible sole will reduce pressure on the big toe and allow the foot to articulate correctly when walking.

However, avoid thin, flat soles, such as those found on Mocassins and some summer casuals.

Shoe Tips For Gout - Soft leather uppers or stretch uppers are a must!

Shoes with soft leather uppers or stretch uppers will ensure your affected joints are not aggrevated by riubbing of the upper on the foot.

Shoe Tips For Gout - Choose shoes with cushioned and supportive insoles

Shoes with cushioned insoles will cushion the foot when walking, protecting the affected joints and absorbing vibrations when you walk. They will also help keep the foot correctly placed in the shoe and stop the foot from moving forward in the shoe.

Ladies shoes for Gout

We have plenty of styles suitable for ladies with Gout which offer all the features above. They are also available in a range of width fittings so you can find one to suit your foot shape.

View our collection of ladies shoes for gout

Men's shoes for Gout

Whatever your personal style, we have a shoe which will help with your Gout symptoms. Wider fittings, deep toe boxes, soft leather uppers and flexible but supportive and cushioning soles.

View our collection of men's shoe for gout

 

We have lots of experience helping customers with this foot condition. If you would like additional advice and guidance, then please do call us on 0208 819 7756, or arrange an appointment to visit our store in Wembley, North London for a personal fitting.