Gouty Arthritis
An attack of gout is caused due to deposition of uric acid in the joints. This occurs due to overproduction of uric acid or inability of the kidneys to flush out the uric acid. Gouty arthritis is characterized by pain in the joints of the feet and hands. Persons suffering from diabetes, obesity or kidney disease are also likely to suffer from gouty arthritis. Those taking drugs that interfere with uric acid excretion such as thiazide diuretics, pyrazinamide and ethambutol may develop gouty arthritis. Gout can sometimes be a heriditary condition. The excessive uric acid crystals are deposited within the joint space causing irritation and swelling. Typically persons suffering from gouty arthritis experience pain in the base of the toes. The ankles and knees are also likely to get affected. An attack of gouty arthritis differs from other arthritis conditions in that it affects one joint at a time.
Gouty arthritis attacks are painful and can recur at irregular intervals. The condition can then become chronic. The affected joint becomes red, swollen and extremely tender. Repeated attacks of gouty arthritis might lead to joint deformity and limited motion. A condition of chronic kidney failure might also result. An aspiration of the fluid from the joint space can reveal a gouty arthritis condition. This procedure is known as 'Arthrocentesis'. The fluid is examined for presence of uric acid crystals. Blood and urine tests reveal the levels of uric acid. A person suffering from acute gout attacks must maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce . A purine-rich diet can aggravate gout attacks. Reduced dietary fat and calorie intake is always beneficial. Excessive alocohol consumptions can trigger disorder of uric acid metabolism.
Person suffering from gouty arthritis can relieve symptoms by resting and elevating the affected joint. Use of ice packs can help in reducing inflammation and pain. Uric acid levels in the blood are usually treated with Probenecid (Benemid) and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane). The medications aid the excretion of uric acid into the urine. Powerful corticosteroids are prescribed in short courses for treating acute cases of gout.
Diets
We have a collection of articles on a wide range of diets in the main articles section of Targetwoman.
Gout Diet - Deposition of uric acid in the joints ...
Whey Protein - The goodness of essential amino acids ...
Aerobics - Physical exercise that increases the heart rate and body intake of oxygen ...
Yoga - Develop a calm and stress free mind in a fit body ...
Diabetic Diet Plan - Read up on how you can bring about a diet and lifestyle change to tackle diabetes ...
Fad Diet - Find out how to identify fad diets that are nutritionally skewed and calorie restrictive ...
Dash Diet - Recommends dietary modifications to the typical American diet ...
3 Day Diet Strategy - A diet strategy for quick loss of pounds ...
Ketogenic Diet - Avoid the unpleasant side effects associated with Anti epilepsy drugs ...
Zone Diet Plan - The forty thirty thirty diet ...
South Beach Diet - Information on the South Beach Diet and some simple diet plans ...
Gall Bladder Diet - Partake of leaner meats and low fat substitutes ...
Low Cholesterol Diet - Is your diet good for your heart? ...
Scarsdale Diet Plan - A rigid diet outline that has to be followed for 7-14 days ...
Bursitis
A bursa is located between the bones and tendons of a joint. Bursitis is a condition where any of the bursa in the body gets inflamed. This leads to inflammation and pain. In most cases, bursitis affects elbows, hips and shoulders. Some persons face bursitis in the knee or heel. Bursitis can occur due to injury, gout, arthritis or any rheumatic condition. In rare cases, bursitis can be traced to a staphylococcal infection. Repeated physical activity or trauma can bring on an attack of bursitis. Activities such as gardening, shoveling, tennis, golf and skiing can lead to development of bursitis.
Symptoms of bursitis include dull ache and stiffening of the affected joint and pain on movement. There may be redness on the skin around the inflamed bursa. X-rays indicate any calcification in the location. The affected area becomes tender and wollen. Any movement becomes painful and troublesome. Rest and immobilization of affected area usually gives relief from bursitis. Heat application often gives relief. Physical therapy and exercise also aid in relieving discomfort and pain associated with bursitis. NSAIDs can help in reducing inflammation. Corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe pain. Aspiration can be done at the location of the swelling to reduce inflamation. In rare cases, surgery is performed to remove the damaged bursa.
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