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Gout

Gout

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by having too much uric acid in the joints. Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purine, such as those found in purine rich foods.

People who suffer from gout do not go through the body’s normal cycle of dissolving uric acid. Instead it remains in the body forming hard uric acid crystals that cause joint irritation and destruction. This results in pain and swelling of the joint.

It can affect any joint of the body but is more common in the weight bearing joints of the feet and more specifically the big toes. It is more prevalent in males who are overweight, drink alcohol or have high cholesterol and women who are post menopausal.

Gout Snapshot

  • A type of arthritis
  • Can be very painful
  • Commonly affects the big-toe joint
  • Sudden redness, heat, pain and swelling of joint

Causes

Causes of Gout

Purine rich foods such as:

  • Tinned fish (anchovies, sardines, herring).
  • Organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads).
  • Legumes (dried beans, peas).
  • Yeast.
  • Meat extracts, (consomme, gravies).
  • Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower.

Alcohol:

  • Especially those high in yeast. such as beer.

Certain medications

  • diuretics, aspirin, niacin, cyclosporine and drugs to treat cancer.

Symptoms

Gout Symptoms

  • Quick onset of pain within hours.
  • Difficulty weight bearing on the affected area.
  • Localised redness, swelling, heat, intense pain if touched.
  • Wounds may occur if severe and a toothpaste like discharge may be evident.

Treatment

Treatment for Gout

  • Review of current medications by GP.
  • Diet control/ weight management.
  • Reduce alcohol intake and drink plenty of water.
  • Specific medication for acute attacks.
  • Long term preventative medication (Pro-gout, Allopurinol).
  • Supportive footwear 
  • Orthotic therapy to take pressure off the joints, prevent further irritation and discomfort and reduce arthritic changes.

Please note: If you do not seek treatment for this condition you may continue to get attacks where the duration of your attacks may be longer and affect more joints.

Long term gout without treatment can lead to kidney stones, arthritis and deformed joints.

Well Heeled Podiatry can professionally assess and diagnose the reason for your joint pain and provide you with an appropriate treatment regime.

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