TEANECK, N.J., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- An acute attack of inflammation in the big toe, so painful that the toe often can't bear the weight of a blanket, is usually a symptom of gout.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric
acid in the blood that leads to a deposit of needle-like crystals in the
connective tissue of the affected joint. Although gout most commonly
attacks the big toe, the disease can affect any joint in the foot or body.
Approximately 275 out of every 100,000 people will develop gout, and men
aged 40 to 50 are the most susceptible. Women rarely develop the disease
before menopause, and gout is rare in children and young adults. Gout
accounts for about 5 percent of all arthritis cases.
According to Dr. Suzanne Belyea, Medical Director at Foot.com, a
tell-tale sign of gout is the rapid onset of pain in only one joint.
"Gout usually manifests itself as an acute attack, often developing
overnight. The patient might feel a little discomfort in the affected
joint, and within 12 to 24 hours will experience severe pain and
swelling," she says. The skin in the affected area will be red and
shiny, and often warm to the touch. Potential causes of gout include: "To be certain a person's symptoms are being caused by gout, their
physician can check the uric acid levels in the blood, or remove joint
fluid to test for the uric acid crystals," explains Dr. Belyea. Once a person has been diagnosed with gout, the physician may prescribe
medication to bring down the inflammation. Self-help steps include
minimizing movement of the joint through rest, and for comfort wearing
proper footwear with a high, wide toe box. Orthotics can also help
minimize movement of the toe. A rocker sole will accommodate and relieve
pressure in the big toe joint. The initial attack should subside in
several days, but risks for future attacks remain for anyone who has been
diagnosed with the disease. A number of medications are available which can decrease the uric acid
Dr. Belyea recommends that anyone suffering from gout be monitored regularly by a physician, because the disease, if not controlled, can eventually affect more joints in the body and cause irreversible damage. For more information on gout and other foot conditions and treatments, visit http://www.foot.com/.
SOURCE: Foot.com
WEB SITE: http://www.foot.com/
ST: New Jersey
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