The holiday season can be a landmine for patients who suffer from gout. This arthritic condition occurs when uric acid accumulates and crystalizes in a joint, most often in the big toe.
Do’s and Don’ts for Holiday Feasting
Causes and Symptoms of Gout - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group
Gout is a painful joint condition caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This can be caused by a variety of factors including diseases, genetics or a person’s lifestyle. Gout is an arthritic condition that can cause severe pain. It makes simple activities such as walking and standing uncomfortable. When this becomes chronic it can affect a person’s quality of life.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout usually happens at night. This often occurs suddenly and without warning. To avoid this, gout should be diagnosed and treated early. Below are some of the symptoms of gout:
- Burning sensation in the joint
- Pain and discomfort that persists for days
- Tenderness and inflammation in the joint
- Intense pain in the joint
Treating the symptoms of gout can be done by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This reduces inflammation which in turn stops pain. Consult a podiatrist if pain persists. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from gout.
Causes of Gout
Gout like arthritis can occur in any joint in the body. But this more commonly occurs in the big toe than any area of the body. It is caused by uric acid deposits in a joint. This in turn produces inflammation which irritates the nerves. Uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated through urination. But when the concentration of uric acid exceeds the filtering capacity of the kidneys it continues to channel though the body.
People with a family history of gout are also at high risk for developing the condition. Studies show that almost 20 percent of gout sufferers have a history of gout in the family. Gout is mainly caused by uric acid deposits in the joints but can also be caused by other factors, these are:
- Alcoholism
- Medications
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell anemia
Drinking alcohol increases the levels of uric acid in the body. Alcoholism can also damage the kidneys. This reduces your body’s uric acid filtering capacity. Some medications such as diuretics or those that promote fluid elimination can affect the body’s ability to remove uric acid.
Lifestyle changes such as minimizing alcohol and meat intake can greatly reduce the occurrence of gout. But when this fails to address the situation, consulting a podiatrist is advised. At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from gout. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.
Ankle Replacement Surgery, When Non-surgical Treatments Fail
Severe arthritis of the ankle is one of the leading causes of chronic disability in North America today. When non-surgical treatments failed to provide relief, a podiatrist often had to turn to ankle fusion as a last ditch option for treating severe ankle arthritis.
Ankle fusion has always been an effective in providing long-term relief from debilitating pain hence, improved foot functioning. This has its downside and permanently fusing the ankle prevents it from performing its normal function. It immobilizes the ankle and can even lead to the degeneration of nearby joints.
Ideal candidates for ankle replacement surgery are those who are generally in good health and free from infection. They must have active control and sensation over the foot and ankle. And finally, all non-surgical treatments has been exhausted. A podiatrist can help identify possible treatment options for ankle arthritis. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specializes in helping people with ankle arthritis and treating foot disorders.
What happens during ankle replacement surgery?
During surgery, the patient is given anesthesia to desensitize the area. An incision is then made on the side or top of the ankle. The surgeon then removes the damage cartilage and bone. The surrounding foot structures (lower ends of the tibia and fibula and foot bone) are reshaped to prepare for the insertion of the new joint parts. Screws are used to secure the ankle replacement to the bones.
After Surgery
Patients usually stay for one to three days after surgery. This is to ensure that artificial ankle is secure and to observe for any possible complications from surgery. The foot is placed in a splint to provide support and immobilize the foot. Patients are advised to avoid placing weight on the foot until the wound has properly healed and they have regained normal foot strength.
A rehabilitation program of 2 to 3 weeks is recommended. Physical therapy exercises are performed to gradually increase muscle strength and help the patient regain full movement in the ankle. Full recovery can take up to 6 months. After this, patients can expect better mobility in the ankles and pain relief. Patients are then able to resume their normal daily activities but are advised to avoid high impact activities such as running or basketball.
At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from ankle arthritis. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.