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Your Foot Book Gout Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by inflammation and pain in affected joints. It is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood and tissues. The uric acid forms crystals which tend to settle under the skin and in the joints, causing local pain. In normal circumstances, uric acid above a certain low concentration is excreted in the urine. Gout occurs either when too little uric acid is excreted or when there is too much of the acid for the kidneys to excrete. Gout is a hereditary disease tending to run in families. Gout occurs more frequently in men than in women by a factor of about 8 or nine. Gout is a chronic recurring disease moving between sometimes acute attacks and remission. An attack may begin suddenly with severe pain and swelling in a joint of the foot, ankle or knee. The overlying skin becomes red and shiny or even purple. An attack of gout typically lasts between three and seven days. Even when the symptoms go into remission, further attacks are likely in the future.
Alcohol may increase the incidence or severity of attacks of gout. Minor injuries and some drugs such diuretics, can bring on an attack as they may raise the level or uric acid in the body A physician's diagnosis is necessary to distinguish gout from infection, osteoarthritis, or acute rheumatoid arthritis. A diagnosis of gout is made after the fluid from an inflamed joint is examined for uric acid crystals. A blood test to check the uric acid level is often performed. Resting the joint and drinking large quantities of water to assist the kidneys in passing uric acid is usually the first step. Anti inflammatory drugs such as Motrin®, Indocin®, Naprosin®, and ibuprofin may also be used to relieve symptoms of gout. Regular aspirin negates the effect of the other drugs and should be avoided; acetaminophen is an acceptable substitute. Alcohol should be avoided. Gout may become chronic if not treated early on. Chronic gout results in deposits of uric acid (tophi) in the joints. These deposits may cause permanent arthritis. The most serious danger from gout is that uric acid crystals may be deposited in the kidneys. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Foot Menders will not answer medical questions via email. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations. |
