Time is gold. While this might seem a bit overrated, there is no denying that it is true by all means. This is probably the reason why we tend to rush things on our way. Unluckily, with so much haste comes carelessness. Us, being impatient may lead to various unforeseen consequences. The results may range from delays to major destruction. This is actually true in the field of medicine, as well as in health.
In order to be more specific, some of those who are suffering from gout in the feet are so impatient that they sometimes practice various DIY or do-it-yourself procedures in removing the lump. Unluckily though, it’s more common that the result is very damaging instead of healing.
Gout Infection in the Foot
It is with no doubt that a single lump may obstruct not only the joints, but also the quality of life. This is the reason why some tend to get rid of this lump by themselves. It is just like being desirous to pop up a pimple in the face. Nevertheless, you must resist the urge. Even though getting rid of the lump may seem to be an easy task, it is actually not.
If you cut the lump open, a white liquid may flow out of it. this is now the crystal fluid. No matter how hard you squeeze your foot, you will not be able to extract all of them. Furthermore, the small, as well as the microscopic grains will still remain and become seeds for future crystal growth. Actually, even surgery isn’t a guarantee that the crystals will vanish.
Bacteria will feast on the wounds
Given the area of the wound is large, the possibility of the infection will be much higher. The wound may actually become a prospering city of bacteria. The result of it? Well, there will be more pain and obstruction, there will be more expenses and you’ll have to wait for a longer period of time for it to heal. The worse part here is that, it may not heal at all. And the only thing that you’ll get is gout infection in the foot.
- It may not at all heal- if you’re diabetic or you have a predominantly weak immune system, the defenses of the body may be overawed by bacteria. Some antibiotics may prove inadequate. Rather than having to deal with the discomfort of gout, you’ll have to deal with the pain that comes with the infection.
- More expenses – rather than having to buy only the maintenance medications for gout, you’ll have to buy maintenance medications, as well as antibiotic or even pain reliever.
- More pain and obstruction – aside from the fact that cutting the wound open is already painful, bacteria attacking the vulnerable opening may be more than that. They won’t be able to become calm in with the comfort of the immune system battle the foreign entity, but the war will be painful and will literally be bloody.
The Wound Closed Anyway
After all the pain that you felt, you will be relieved when the wound finally closes. Unluckily, however, this isn’t the end of the risks that you are going to take. It’s true that the bacteria will no longer have the capacity to attack from the outside. Tactlessly, the bacteria, which are thriving and breeding inside, may cause various conditions like septic arthritis. This may cause gout like condition and pain as the normally sterile joint cavity becomes fouled. Moreover, this may also cause bone spur. The nerves may grow back to the undesired and wrong places thus causing more agony.
More Efficient Solutions
The do-it-yourself or DIY operations are very risky to conduct. There are some other choices that are available. You don’t need to be so rash. One of the choices is to do the normal routine. Alkalizing and Low-purine diet, as well as taking medications like allopurinol. You can also undergo surgery. However, as mentioned earlier, there is no guarantee that all the crystals will vanish through the process. The microscopic remains are sufficient to seed the future growth of the uric acid crystal. It may take a long period of time but this may be delayed more or even totally evaded if you’re disciplined enough in adaptable to low-purine diet.
A good addition to the alkaline diet is the intake of the alkaline water. This may help in the reduction of the uric acid in the body. With the low uric acid, there’ll be nothing to power gout. The tophus may stop growing. In the actual fact, the alkaline water may help in the reduction of the size of your tophus.
