Boston University School of Medicine recently published a study in the Annals of Rheumatology Disease and Arthritis & Rheumatology, a new classification system for gout. The classification was developed through a multistep process with help from an international group of investigators from the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism. The groups conducted a study where the gold standard of identifying gout was the presence of monosodium urate crystals. This led to a decision analysis scientific approach to generate a series of domains to classify gout.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
