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Podiatry & Gout

Gout is a disease caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. It results from an elevated blood level of uric acid (hyperuricemia), which occurs when the liver produces more uric acid than the body can excrete in the urine, or when a diet high in rich foods produces more uric acid than the kidneys can filter from the blood.

Over time, uric acid in the blood crystallizes and settles in the joint spaces, causing swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Gout usually affects the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe (hallux) or the ankle joints.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gout affects approximately 2.1 million people in the United States. The disease is more common in men between the ages of 40 and 50, and in women, incidence increases after menopause. The condition is rare in children and young adults.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, approximately 18% of people who develop gout have a family history of the condition. Diseases and conditions that increase the risk include diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and sickle cell anemia.

Regularly drinking alcohol interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body and can increase the risk for developing gout.

Other risk factors include the following:
-Exposure to lead in the environment
-High dietary intake of rich foods that contain purine (e.g., cream sauces, red meat, sardines, liver, scallops)
-Medications that may interfere with the body's ability to remove uric acid (e.g., aspirin, diuretics, levodopa [used to treat Parkinson’s Disease])

Gout usually develops in the joint of the first toe (i.e., the big toe, or hallux). It also can affect the ankle or knee.

Common symptoms of gout include the following:
-Inflammation
-Pain
-Redness
-Stiffness
-Swelling

Touching or moving the toe may be intensely painful and patients often say that having as much as a bed sheet over the toe increases the pain. Symptoms of gout develop quickly (sometimes in 1 day) and typically occur in only one joint at a time. Rarely, symptoms develop in two or three joints simultaneously. If widespread symptoms occur, the condition is probably not gout. If left untreated, gout can damage joints and cause disability.

Prevention is the best defense against gout. Medication (e.g., small doses of NSAIDs, colchicine, allopurinol [Zyloprim®], probenecid) may prevent continued accumulation of uric acid in the joints and further attacks. Avoiding alcohol and rich foods that are high in purine (e.g., scallops, sardines, red meat, sweetbreads, gravy, cream sauces) also may help to prevent the condition.

Other preventative measures include the following:
-Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
-Exercise regularly
-Maintain a healthy diet and healthy body weight
-See a physician regularly

Call to make an appointment with one of our podiatrists today if you believe you may be suffering from any of these symptoms.


Community Foot Care: 937-322-7607 or 937-426-9500

Comments

Unknown said…
gout medication
I would really like your post ,it would really explain each and every point clearly well thanks for sharing.

Regards

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