Reston/Herndon - (703) 437-6333
Manassas/Gainesville - (703) 368-7166

Holiday season triggers painful toes

Got gout? If so, a Reston, Manassas and Leesburg foot and ankle surgeon has a recommendation for surviving the holidays: Watch what you eat and drink.

Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain foods and beverages, can cause gout attacks this time of year, says Dr. Shaun Hafner, DPM, FACFAS. Dr. Hafner is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) with offices in Reston, Manassas and Leesburg.

Gout attacks are extremely painful. They are caused when uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. This most commonly occurs in the big toe joint. Dr. Hafner explains this is because the toe is the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes.

Dr. Hafner says foods that are high in purines contribute to uric acid build-up. Dr. Hafner recommends that people prone to gout attacks avoid purine-rich items such as shellfish (shrimp, crab, etc.), organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red meat, red wine and beer.

Gout can be treated with medications, diet changes, increasing consumption of appropriate fluids, and immobilizing the foot. In some cases surgery is required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint. For more information on gout, visit the ACFAS consumer Web site, FootHealthFacts.org, or contact Dr. Hafner’s office at [email protected].

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Locations

Reston Foot and Ankle Center
1760 Reston Pkwy, Suite 310
Reston, VA 20190
Phone (703) 437-6333
Fax: (703) 437-7837

Manassas Foot and Ankle Center
8577A Sudley Rd.
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone (703) 368-7166
Fax: (703) 368-5103

Office Hours

Reston Foot and Ankle Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Manassas Foot and Ankle Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm