02 Sep Gout: Life Doesn’t Have To Be This Bad
Only those suffering from gout can fully comprehend the pain and discomfort associated with this arthritic condition.
Also known as “gouty arthritis,” “the disease of kings,” “rich man’s disease,” and, “podagra” when it involves the big toe, gout is on the rise worldwide, characterized by recurrent attacks of painful inflammatory arthritis.
Gout typically manifests its wrath in the metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe, though gout can also affect the knee, heel, ankle, wrist and finger joints. And as sufferers know, the pain usually strikes first at night, building in intensity throughout the morning and, in an acute case—depending upon the severity of the flare-up—persisting for up to 7-10 days.
No matter where gout develops, it is uncomfortable, to put it mildly, perhaps most so in the big toe. Why? Because we need it to walk and it’s constantly under pressure! When gout affects our feet, it doesn’t just hurt when you move around, however—it radiates throughout the whole body!
That’s why understanding gout and all its complexities—from its causes, traits, and most importantly, how to cure it—is so vitally important.
At Cherrywood Foot Care, we know gout. And we also know how to properly treat it. We’ll have you back on your feet and moving pain-free in no time.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Joints affected by gout become red, swollen and tender to the touch. They can also emanate a burning sensation. Fatigue may present, as well as (though rarely) a high fever.
CAUSES
Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which then crystallizes. These crystals become deposited in not only joint fluid, but tissues and tendons, too.
The result is the extreme pain. And it is extreme.
The question then becomes: Is there any relief for this condition? If so, what could it be!?
Unfortunately, gout is partly genetic. This means some people are more pre-disposed, and more at risk, to developing this condition. Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, can also increase your risk.
The upside is that many cases of gout are also caused by diet. Those heavy in red meat, seafood, fructose-sweetened beverages, shellfish, rich sauces and alcohol, among others, have a greater risk of developing this condition, with liquor and beer being the greater protagonists regarding the latter as opposed to wine.
Thus, lifestyle changes, including what you eat, are in order to effectively combat gout.
TREATMENT
Taking control of your diet and staying away from the aforementioned foods and drinks, as well as other instigators, can help you put your right foot forward on the way to recovery. So will taking certain vitamins, such as Vitamin C.
Another important part of effectively resolving gout and its associated pain is exercise.
Keep those footsies movin’, people!
Medications, such as certain anti-inflammatories, and in some cases steroids, can also help resolve ongoing symptoms and reduce uric acid levels in the blood.
The strategically placed ice pack can go a long way, too!
IMPORTANT
If you are experiencing gout-like symptoms, or are known to have episodic flare-ups of this painful arthritic condition, obtaining effective treatment is paramount. Without proper treatment, these agonizing and acute five-to-seven day outbursts can develop into chronic cases, which can eventually result in joint deformities, destruction of joint surfaces, and other serious complications.
Don’t wait. You’ve suffered enough.
Stop by Cherrywood Foot Care today, and let’s get you back on your feet again.