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 hereditary 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. is done and 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 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 alcohol consumption 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.

Ankle swelling

A sign of fluid buildup or inflammation of joint and tissue, ankle swelling is also called ankle edema. It can also result from serious infections, trauma or circulatory disorders, cardiac disorders or any other abnormal processes. Mild ankle swelling is common after standing for a long period of time. Painless swelling of the ankles is a common problem among older people. Swollen ankles may indicate potentially serious disorders such as congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis and liver failure. Ankle swelling could also occur during pregnancy, being overweight or vascular problems or some orthopedic conditions such as bone fracture or a sprained ankle.

Swelling can also be caused by injury involving surgery in ankle. Long car rides and flight travel can lead to ankle edema. Many women notice ankle edema during pregnancy. It is complicated by Preeclampsia, a serious condition that includes high blood pressure and swelling. Certain medications, like antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and hormones like estrogen and testosterone and steroids can cause swelling. Ankle swelling is common in those who are overweight, suffer blood clots in the leg or those who suffer leg infections.

Swollen legs are also often a sign of failure of heart, kidney and liver. This is an indication of too much fluid in the body. Gout is caused by accumulation of uric acid crystals within the fluid of the ankle. Those suffering from gout exhibit abnormal accumulation of uric acid within joints leading to inflammation and resultant swelling. Ankle arthritis is another degenerative change is the joint, though less common, which can be quite painful and could cause swelling. Blood clot, known as DVT, is a common vascular obstruction of blood flow which can cause swelling around the ankles and can also extend further up to the legs.

Since swollen ankles could be due to serious diseases and injuries, seek treatment without delay. Treatment depends upon the analysis of the underlying disease condition and its diagnosis.

• Keep ankle lifted so that the leg falls on a straight line. An ice pack or ice in a plastic bag can be wrapped in a clean dish bowl and kept on the raised ankle.
  
• Reduce intake of salt.
  
• Cut down on processed food especially fast foods that overflow with salt.
  
• To soothe tendinitis, sprains, strains and aches, alternate hot and cold vinegar wraps can do good.
  
• Drink plenty of water as it moves through kidneys, bladder, diluting the urine and since urine has some fluid-retaining salt in it, the more it is diluted, the easier it is to remove salt and prevent edema.
  
• Exercise such as as walking or swimming regularly helps.
  
• Support stockings which are sold at most drug and medical supply stores can be worn.
  
• Avoid wearing tight clothing or garters around thighs.
  
• Lose weight if need to.
  

Rheumatologist

Rheumatologist is a specialist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and diseases of the joint, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologists complete medical school, complete another three years training in internal medicine and thereafter complete another three years in rheumatology training.

• Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
  
• Treatment of particular types of autoimmune disease.
  
• Treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders.
  
• Treatment of osteoporosis.
  
• They treat back pain, gout, lupus, tendonitis, and various more such diseases.
  
• They prescribe medications or physiotherapy for patients according to their requirements.

Modern techniques in the field of rheumatology

Treatment for rheumatology has seen a drastic change for the past few years, modern techniques used in the field of rheumatology include

• Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
  
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMAR) are also prescribed along with NSAID to treat severe conditions of rheumatology.
  
• Early treatment helps in pain management and easy recovery from pain.