Reports from the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) report that gout, along with other Victorian-age diseases; have returned due to a combination of poor wage growth and increased food prices. Poverty in Britain has been a topic of great debate since the global financial crisis began. Wages have been below the rate of inflation since 2008.
John Middleton of the FPH states, “It is a condition we believe should have died out. It’s getting worse because people can’t afford good quality food.” Gout considered a type of arthritis that can be caused by obesity as well as a diet rich in chemical compounds called purines that are found in sardines and liver.
Gout can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and careful eating habits. If you are suffering from the effects of gout, contact one of our podiatrists at Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
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. Foods rich in purines like turkey, red meats, and liver can affect the body’s ability to excrete uric acid, which in turn leads to hyperuricema, the blood condition that causes gout to develop. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have as much as a one in five 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 contact our office located in Pennsylvania. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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