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GOUT
INTRODUCTION
Gout can be a painful
condition, which often affects men rather, then women. The most common
age group that is affected is between 50-60, however, it can occur in
young males and females. It has been referred to as an acquired disease
or a form of arthritis. The inflammation and pain in the joint is caused
due to a build up of excess uric acid crystals. It can affect other
parts of the body such as the hands.
APPEARANCE
- It usually affects
the big toe but can affect other areas around the feet. (refer to
the diagram below)
- Gout results
in a red, swollen, painful toe.
The
above diagram shows the areas in which gout is most likely to occur
in the feet.
SYMPTOMS
- Sudden intense
throbbing pain accompanied by redness and swelling.
- Episodes of attack,
with the attacks lasting approximately 3-5 days. These attacks may
occur in the middle of the night.
CAUSES
- May be inherited
or acquired
- Proteins that
we eat are broken into energy and waste products. One of these waste
products is Uric Acid. If the kidneys are unable to filter the uric
acid, uric acid may crystallize and deposit into joints. This causes
an inflammatory reaction.
- Minor foot injury
may also trigger an attack of gout.
- Other contributing
factors include obesity, stress and most commonly, over indulgence
in alcohol.
WHAT YOU CAN
DO
- The application
of ice or cooling lotions during the acute (initial) stage of the
attack may be beneficial.
- The application
of warm, moist compresses may also be of benefit to relief the symptoms
at a later stage of the attack.
- A reduction in
the amount of alcohol consumed is recommended.
- Protein rich
foods such as liver and kidney should be avoided.
- Seek immediate
advice from a state registered chiropodist, a general practitioner
and a dietitian.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
NOT DO
WHAT THE CHIROPODIST
WILL DO
- The initial
diagnosis of the condition is extremely important. The patient’s history
of the onset of the disorder and a visual examination of the area
will confirm the diagnosis. The chiropodist may request that you have
x-rays taken of your foot. This will enable the chiropodist to make
a diagnosis of the condition. When a patient has suffered from gout
for a considerable amount of time, the x-ray may show destruction
of the joint. Blood tests may also show elevated uric acid levels.
- The chiropodist
may recommend a course of medication to your GP. This will provide
immediate relief of the symptoms. A medication named Allopurinal is
often used to treat gout.
- In extreme cases,
the chiropodist may recommend surgery to remove gouty deposits.
- Orthosis and
shoe stretching may also help to alleviate the symptoms.
- Protective shields
and padding can also relieve pressure from the affected toe.
CONDITIONS THAT
RESEMBLE A GOUT
- Osteoarthritus
of the 1st toe.
- Injury to the
toe.
- Inflammatory
arthritis of the foot.
AS
ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE FROM A STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST.
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