Gout - The Joint Disorder Best Cured by Early Diagnosis and Prevention

Gout Syndrome

Metabolism

In the process of food digestion the food gets broken up into various energy elements such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins. During this process the body burns excess fat and produces new body tissues.

Formation of Uric Acid

Food items that contain Purines and medication like aspirin, vitamin niacin and diuretic drugs are responsible for the formation of uric acid in the blood.

Gout

The body excretes the uric acid through urine; this is a natural and everyday activity. Although at times when we do excess consumption of food items that contain Purines, the uric acid is retained in the body. When the uric acid is retained in the body joints such as toes, you suffer from the Gout syndrome.

Gout Symptoms

1. Joint pain, Arthritis

2. Inflammation marks such as redness and swelling

3. Number of joints affected can be one or more,

4. Most commonly affected parts are joints of feet and ankle.

5. Ball of big toe is another exposure to Gout attack.

Gout Attacks

1. Preliminary attack may subside in one weeks time

2. There after secondary attacks can occur in long gaps of many months

3. If the syndrome is not treated in time, the attacks become more frequent

4. Due to increased frequency of attacks, Gout becomes a chronic disorder and causes serious joint damage. This leads to severe pain while using the affected joint for any activity.

5. A rare phenomenon in women, usually affects men. Women become vulnerable to this disorder after menopause.

Precautionary measures

1. When Gout symptoms are seen in the individual, Foot doctors recommend avoiding consumption of foods and beverages that contain high levels of Purines. Foods and beverages like Shellfish, Organ meats (Kidney, liver) red meat and red wine contain high content of Purine.

2. Other causes of Gout are High blood pressure, Obesity, Surgery, Chemotherapy, stress, and certain medications and vitamins. Podiatrist recommends prompt treatment of these diseases so that vulnerability to Gout becomes nil.

3. Middle -aged men of 40 to 60 years are more susceptible to Gout. Foot specialist advice that individual from this age-group should be alert about the symptoms of Gout disorder.

4. Foot doctor may prescribe laboratory tests and x-rays to diagnose the exact cause of inflammation. It is very important to take the right and timely treatment from the podiatric clinic.

5. Foot Care

a. Avoid standing and walking

b. Elevate your foot level to help reduce swelling