Big toe is swollen
A swollen toe is often caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. You can counteract the painful symptoms by changing your diet.
You wake up in the morning with a swollen big toe that also hurts terribly. If you didn't bruise your toe in the evening, which you now remember, it could be an acute gout attack caused by increased uric acid levels in the blood. You may also have fever.
How To Help Your Swollen Toe
- Such swellings of the big toe usually arise in the context of gout, medically called podagra, after excesses with plenty of meat and alcohol. Meat and especially offal contain more purine, which is converted into uric acid when it is broken down. Alcohol, in turn, reduces the solubility of uric acid and its excretion by the kidneys. A low-purine diet is therefore the first thing to tackle.
- In addition to alcohol, offal and meat, you should also avoid trout, herring, sardines and sprats. Some legumes are also high in purine and should only be eaten occasionally.
- However, you can safely consume dairy products, the occasional egg, vegetables and fruits. Cabbage is relatively high in purines, but still far less than meat. If you like cabbage, treat yourself to a meal with cabbage every now and then. The rule here is: Better in moderation than in masses!
- While you might think that fasting is the best way to get rid of the damaging uric acid in this case, you should definitely not do it. Since the body does not consume solid food, it breaks down the body's own protein, which in turn is broken down into purines and thus uric acid. The uric acid level increases!
- Make an appointment with your family doctor. Recognizes Medicationwho the pains relieve your swollen toe. He will also do an examination to find out the cause of the gout attack. Diseases of the kidney, Enzyme defects, diabetes mellitus, or blood disorders can cause your toe to swell.
- Diuretics, i.e. drugs that drive water, should only be taken during the acute episode after consulting your doctor, as some drugs inhibit the excretion of uric acid.
- Since gout or increased uric acid levels are often associated with obesity, try to normalize your body weight.
- Drink at least 2.5 liters of fluids a day. This is important so that the uric acid is eliminated through the kidneys. Mineral water or herbal tea are ideal.
- Take care of your swollen toe during the gout attack and keep it cool. The attack usually subsides after a few days, but it can last up to three weeks.
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