What Are The Symptoms Of Gout?
am a patient suffering pain on my toe and my foot ball of which when i sit down to work or drive a car on coming down i cant place my left foot on the ground and it will take two to three minutes before i can do so also when getting up from the bed. what do you think is the cause i just read about PAD some 30 minutes ago
Gout more likely then PAD
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
The description fits better with a crystal induced arthropathy like GOUT. Recent studies have shown increase incidence of PAD in women suffering from GOUT. Diagnosis is accurately done via Joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis. Serum uric acid levels are not diagnostic of gout but can be used to monitor treatment adequacy. 24-hour urinary uric acid can also be done along with Lipid profile, blood glucose, HBA1c , renal and liver function tests as part of the workup. Plain radiographs may show valuable findings that are consistent with gout. If you are concerned about PAD then a Doppler Ultrasound of the lower limbs can be done to assess for patency of the vessels. If Gout is confirmed , then treatment can be started for acute phase including combination of NSAIDs and colchicine with maintenance by allopurinol to control uric acid levels. Diet changes including low purine , avoiding alcohol, carbonated beverages, low fat, adequate hydration at least 8 glasses of water per day and weight reduction can also contribute towards better outcome.
wishing you best of health
thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Dr. M.S. Khalil