Preventable Foot Ailments Part 7 : Gout

This blog is not for the faint of heart. Gout is a very serious, and painful disease. The picture to the right is a James Gillray (1799) drawing. The artist memorably illustrates the excruciating pain and swelling that are symptoms of the disease. And in my research the least disgusting picture of gout I could find. It is interesting to note that according to http://www.medicinenet.com/gout/article.htm Gout "has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history."

So lets get down to the nitty gritty, What is gout? Gout defined by wikipedia (also where I found this picture) is a disease created by a buildup of uric acid. In this condition, monosodium urate or uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the blood stream. This provokes an inflammatory reaction of these tissues.

According to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gout/DS00090 "Gout is a complex disorder that can affect anyone. Men are more likely to get gout than women are, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause. Fortunately, gout is treatable, and there are ways to reduce the risk that gout will recur."

What are the signs or symptoms of gout? Interestingly enough gout usually attacks the Big Toe (about 75% of first cases) however, it also can affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and spine. In some cases, the condition may appear in the joints of small toes that have become immobile due to impact injury earlier in life, causing poor blood circulation that leads to gout.

Treatment for gout according to several medical web sites usually consists of medication. The medications you and your doctor choose will be based on your current health and your own preferences. Medications for gout include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs may control inflammation and pain in people with gout. NSAIDs include over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others), as well as more powerful prescription NSAIDs. NSAIDs carry risks of stomach pain, bleeding and ulcers.
• Colchicine. Colchicine controls gout effectively, but may cause uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you're unable to take NSAIDs, your doctor may recommend colchicine.
• Steroids. Steroid medications, such as the drug prednisone may control gout inflammation and pain. Steroids may be administered in pill form, or they can be injected into your joint. Side effects of steroids may include thinning bones, poor wound healing and a decreased ability to fight infection. Steroids may be reserved for people who can't take either NSAIDs or colchicine.

Many of the articles I read state hereditary as one of the main factors of getting gout. If you do have relatives that have had or have gout changing your diet can help reduce the chances of contracting the disease yourself. For instance according to wikipedia "consumption of beer is associated with a 49% increase in relative risk per daily 12-oz serving." The point many sites make is to cut down on the uric acid you consume and or increase the level your body uses a day. Diet should be low fat and low protein.

If you believe you have gout please see a doctor immediately!

If you would like to read my other posts about foot problems and their solutions please click on the links below:

Bunions
Hammer toe
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Spurs
Flat foot
Calluses, Corns, and warts
Gout