Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs as a result of the build-up of uric acid in the body and the joint fluid. This accumulation of uric acid typically occurs when the body has difficulty processing certain protein substances called purines that are found naturally in our diets.
The actual build-up of uric acid can result when the body has difficulty eliminating uric acid through the kidneys and urine, or in some cases, when the body produces too much uric acid. The tendency to accumulate uric acid is often hereditary.
It can, however, skip an individual or even a generation and reappear in the children of someone who has no signs of gout. While it is most commonly seen in males between fifty and sixty years of age, gout does occur in females and in younger males.
Gout usually starts with a sudden onset of intense pain in one or more joints, usually the big toe joint of the foot. The pain is accompanied by redness, swelling and warmth over the joint. Typically, the patient does not recall injuring the joint before the pain started. Many patients say they first noticed pain in the middle of the night or upon arising in the morning.
The diagnosis is based on a personal and family history, as well as on the Podiatrist’s examination which often finds the classic signs of gout and makes the diagnosis clear. Blood tests often are performed to determine uric acid levels and the joint fluid is examined to look for uric acid crystals. X-rays also may be performed to examine both the bones and joints to rule out abnormal changes associated with gout.
Treatment
The treatment of gout starts with establishing the correct diagnosis. Oral anti-inflammatory medications are most often used to manage the acute attack. If the gout attack is in the toe, it will typically help to elevate the foot, avoid standing and walking, and wear only a loose slipper until the individual can be seen by a Podiatrist.
If gout attacks continue despite medical treatment, if there are excessive deposits of gouty crystals within a joint, or if arthritis causes continual discomfort, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the crystals (tophi) and repair the joint.
Prevention
Certain foods that are high in purines can increase uric acid levels and thus bring on an acute attack of gout. These foods include red meats, shellfish, beer, red wine and salt. Some medications, such as diuretics (water pills) that are often used to control high blood pressure or reduce swelling, also may cause an acute attack of gout. Stress, infection and trauma also are possible causes.
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day, eating an appropriate diet and evaluating current medications will reduce the likelihood of an attack or lessen the severity should it occur. If you have a personal or family history of gout, regular examinations by a podiatrist also will reduce the potential for an attack.
Please call your Podiatrist at Better Feet Podiatry on (03) 9588 2348 or visit our clinic at 234 Como Parade West, Parkdale., VIC 3195for more information.
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health. Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood, but the body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys.
Magnesium Definancy
Early signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. As magnesium deficiency worsens, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures (sudden changes in behaviours caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain), personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasms can occur. Severe magnesium deficiency can result in low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Magnesium deficiency is also associated with low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia).
Many of these symptoms are general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than magnesium deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate health complaints and problems so that appropriate care can be given.
What Foods Provide Magnesium
Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium because the centre of the chlorophyll molecule (which gives green vegetables their colour) contains magnesium. Some legumes (beans and peas), nuts and seeds, and whole, unrefined grains are also good sources of magnesium. Refined grains are generally low in magnesium. When white flour is refined and processed, the magnesium-rich germ and bran are removed. Bread made from whole grain wheat flour provides more magnesium than bread made from white refined flour. Tap water can be a source of magnesium, but the amount varies according to the water supply. Water that naturally contains more minerals is described as “hard”. “Hard” water contains more magnesium than “soft” water.
Eating a wide variety of legumes, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables will help you meet your daily dietary need for magnesium.
For further information, or to consult with one of our skilled Podiatrists you can use the Contact Us or Appointment Request buttons at the top or bottom of this page, call our Melbourne practice on (03) 9663 4460, or visit Better Feet Podiatry‘s state of the art Podiatry clinic at Level 1 Druids House, 407 – 409 Swanston Street, in Melbourne.
Chiropractors regularly treat sciatica and have terrific results.
Sciatica is the Latin word for “Pain down the back of the leg” Sciatica is referred pain usually caused by trapping the sciatic nerve in the lower back. See back pain.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and along the back of each leg. Sciatica is pain along this nerve and is a relatively common form of back pain and is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated or bulging disc.
The pain from sciatica can be anything from infrequent and irritating to severe and debilitating. Usually, it affects only one side, the pain radiating through the buttock and down the leg and is often associated with a constant pain on one side of the buttocks, pain in the leg and/or buttock that may be worse when sitting , burning or tingling down the leg, weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot or a shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up.
While sciatica can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, it is rare that permanent nerve damage (tissue damage) results. Most pain is due to inflammation and will improve within a period of time. Nerve pain is caused by a combination of pressure and inflammation on the nerve root, and treatment is centred on relieving both of these conditions.
Typically, sciatica is made worse by bending, lifting, sneezing and coughing.
Sciatica is a common problem for manual workers, sedentary office workers and is particularly prevalent during pregnancy.
Podiatry Treatment main objectives are
reduce pain
restore movement
strengthen weakened muscles
reduce tension
Causes of Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the main nerve in the leg and the largest in the body. It runs from the base of the spine, along the back of the thigh to the knee, where it divides into branches.
Sciatic pain is usually caused by compression of this nerve root at the point where it leaves the spine. Damage to the nerve can also cause pain.
In young and early middle-aged adults, the most common cause of sciatica is a prolapsed intervertebral disc in the lumbosacral area of the lower back.
In older people, changes in the spine due to conditions such as osteoarthritis may be responsible either by causing localised pressure on the nerve or by narrowing of the spinal canal – called spinal stenosis.
Other bone disease or local injury may also be responsible.
Pressure on the sciatic nerve can result from a number of reasons including
Sometimes, just sitting awkwardly can cause sciatica.
Piriformis syndrome (tightness of the piriformis muscle in the buttock that compresses the sciatic nerve)
Spinal misalignments, vertebral dysfunction
herniated disc
Poor posture – wearing high heels, prolonged sitting, poor mattress
Poor lifting technique and poor bending habits
Spinal compressions due to osteoporosis
Diagnosis of Sciatica
Since there are many disorders that can cause sciatica, your Podiatrists’ first task is to determine the exact cause of your sciatic nerve interference.
Podiatry treatment
Always begins with a thorough history,
Spinal, orthopaedic and neurological examination.
Special diagnostic imaging investigations such as X-ray, CT, MRI
Posture pro scan may also be required to accurately diagnose your sciatica.
Treatment of Sciatica
As sciatica is due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, it stands to reason that treatment involves removing this pressure. Your Podiatry treatment aims to achieve this by reducing nerve pressure caused by poorly moving spinal joints as well as easing muscular tension in the lower spine, buttock and leg.
This is achieved by using a combination of the following techniques:
Spinal mobilisations
Massage therapy and trigger point therapy
Stretching tight muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
Ultrasound and other electrical stimulation devices
Advice in relation to how to minimise pressure and irritation of the sciatic nerve
In addition to this, you will be given a series of home stretching exercises and asked to apply ice and heat to help aid your recovery.
If you are suffering with sciatica at the moment please do not delay – you can achieve the best results when you address the symptoms early!
Getting regular movement will dramatically increase your natural energy flow. Sluggishness, heaviness and stagnation will begin to shift, you will increase your oxygen intake and get endorphins flowing. Your energy will be much higher within days of beginning to move regularly. It doesn’t have to be a one hour power sweat session either – simply going for a good paced walk or doing a series of your favourite yoga poses will boost your vitality quickly.
You may be celebrating, but that doesn’t mean that that you should send your judgment on holiday. Alcohol can interfere with your blood sugar by slowing the release of glucose into the bloodstream; it also contain a lot of calories – 89 calories per glass of white wine or champagne, 55 calories in a shot of vodka, and 170 calories in a pint of stout beer. What’s more, alcohol breaks down your inhibitions and judgment, which makes you that much less likely to resist the junk foods that you would otherwise be able to pass up.
An uninterrupted deep sleep helps your brain process memories, stress, and emotions. It boosts your mood and improves your memory. When you had a deep sleep at night, you will have more energy during the day. Likewise, deep sleep helps rejuvenate your body and repair damaged tissues.
