Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods we eat. This crystallization can cause painful attacks in joint and kidney. Gout attacks can come on quickly and keep returning over time. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men, and although it is more likely to affect men, women become more susceptible to it after the menopause.
Gout most classically affects the joint in the base of the big toe and it can attack often occur without warning in the middle of the night.
Acute gout can cause rapid onset of pain in the affected joint associated with warmth, swelling, reddish discoloration and tenderness. Although the base of the big toe is the most common site for gout, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows can be affected too. Gout pain can be intense that even a bed sheet touching the toe causes severe pain. Gout attacks can last for hours or weeks. Most people with previous gout attack will experience recurrence over the years.
Men are more likely to be affected by gout than women. The chances of having gout rises with age, with a peak age of 75. Women after menopause are more common to have gout. Family history has a role in determining whether you can get gout. If your parents have gout, you have a 20% of chance of developing it. In addition, obesity, excessive weight gain, heavy alcohol intake, high blood pressure and kidney abnormalities are among the risk factors for developing gout. Diet with frequent consumption of foods high in purines, including meats, seafood, certain vegetables and beans, and foods containing fructose can increase the risk of gout.
Gout is an inflammatory condition that may be assisted in healing by Chiropractic techniques including adjustment/mobilisation and traction. Mobilisations and adjustments are used to reduce pain and mobility caused by gout within the joints, by freeing up the articular space. Chiropractors may also adopt a technique known as traction, which incorporates freeing up the pressure within the joint capsule on the nerves so the patient isn’t exposed to inflamed or tingling sensations. Orthotics may also be prescribed by chiropractors that are worn to support and cushion the foot in a way where it takes a substantial amount of strain off the joint. Finally changing your dietary habits is crucial in the reduction of gout. Follow an alkaline diet. As mentioned above, diets including high amounts of meat, seafood and fructose place patients at a high risk of developing gout and simply reducing the intake of these foods daily and consuming cherries, lowers uric acid levels in the blood and the patients risk of developing gout.
So if you’re are experiencing inflammation of your joints or your doctor has diagnosed you with gout, Lakeside Chiropractic may treat your condition. Lakeside Chiropractic’s located at 3/45 Central Walk, Joondalup; Central to the Northern suburbs of Perth. We have visitors from: Woodvale, Mindarie, Hocking, Heathridge, Iluka, Edgewater, Wanneroo, Tapping, Ashby, Sinagra, Jindalee, Pearsall and Yanchep. If you would like to book an appointment or discuss regular Chiropractic management, feel free to call us on 9300 0095 or visit our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au
