My husband was just diagnosed with gout after experiencing severe inflammation and pain in his foot. He could not walk for days. His doctor prescribed a few medications, one he is to take daily. Is gout the same as rheumatoid arthritis? Should he see a rheumatologist? Are olives harmful to eat because of gout?
Although both can cause pain and swelling of joints, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are two different diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an immune system that isn’t regulating itself well. Gout, on the other hand, is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This acid is formed when your body breaks down purine, a substance that is found in DNA. When uric acid accumulates in the joint and forms crystals, it results in pain and inflammation. Uric acid can also form kidney stones.
Foods such as meat (especially organ meats like liver), seafood (anchovies) and beer are high in purine. Eating these foods can increase the risk of having a gout attack. Foods such as olives, cereals, eggs, cheese and nuts contain low amounts of purine and so are not harmful to eat. Eating low-fat dairy products can help decrease the risk of having an attack of gout.
Gout can be controlled with medications such as allopurinol (Aloprim, Zyloprim). Some cases of gout can be easily managed by your primary care physician. Other cases of gout are more difficult to control and require treatment by a rheumatologist.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Rheumatic Diseases Center.