Posted: 08/06/06 - 23:00 Post subject: Gout or Arthritis
Hy, my mother has swollen toe and hip and knee joints. Is it gout or arthritis, how is the difference determinated? Or could she have both of these conditions?
There are more than hundred different rheumatic diseases manifesting with pain and swelling in the joints, and common name for all of them is arthritis. Gout is actually just a form of arthritis. Gout affects small joints such as the big toe in sudden severe pain episodes. Due to crystals of uric acid in joints and connective tissue an inflammation is induced. The reason for elevated level of uric acid can be kidney failure, it results in hyperuricemia. Too much food containing purines, substance metabolized to uric acid. Gout patients should avoid shellfish, red meats and alcohol, as well as liver and other organ meats and dried beans and peas
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