Is it gout or a fibromyalgia flare up?

The first thing you need to know about gout is that is really hurts, I mean really really hurts. A gout attack is very painful. Gout also typically and mostly affect the big toe joint of the foot. It also comes on suddenly. So if the pain you are experiencing is really bad, comes on suddenly and affects the big toe joint, then it probably gout. If it is not those things, then it is probably not gout. That does not mean that it is or is not, but its really one of probabilities, so it is probably best to get checked out by a physician if you experience this.

The flare ups that can occur in fibromyalgia do not have the same characteristics as those of gout. That does not mean that you do not have gout and if 3% of the general population have gout, then by chance 3% of those with fibromyalgia are probably going to have gout by chance. There is no evidence that gout is more common in those with fibromyalgia.

If you do have gout, then the diet is just as important as the diet for those with fibromyalgia should be. Higher urate levels are a problem in those with out. Its best to avoid foods that raise the urate levels ( eg beer, liquor, wine, potato, poultry, soft drinks, and meat) and consume more of the foods that reduce urate levels (eg eggs, peanuts, cold cereal, skimmed milk, cheese, brown bread, margarine, and non-citrus fruits).

Mayo Clinic on Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life
  • Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

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