Do you know what is podagra? Well, it is actually the same meaning as gout. The only thing is that it is a specific term when gout takes place in the big toes. Anyways, you can learn more about it, if you read through this article. In this article, we are going to tackle about gout and podagra much deeper. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the read, as you will learn a lot from this, that’s for sure!
Gout: The Basics
Podagra, gouty arthritis, or whatever devilish term that you wish to call it, gout is still a form of arthritis that is caused by various metabolic problems. Gout is actually characterized by the searing pain, swelling, or warmth of the affected joint, as well as the redness of the joint. Most of the times it bouts at night.
Most of the cases of gout start by way of attacking the big toe. And then a small number of attacks later, it’ll slowly crawl its own way up to your upper body. Thus affecting the joints just like those in the fingers and in the elbows. The period of the gout attacks may vary from one case to another. Moreover, it may last for about an hour or two, or may even be a couple of weeks. Occasionally, the overshot reactions are what cause it to persist for months and even for years. As the attack finally diminishes, there will be more attack to come if you don’t do anything to change your own lifestyle.
Often times, the tophaceous deposits may appear in several parts of the body. Tophus is the yellowish-white chalky nodules, which appear under the skin. Usually, it appears in the earlobes, as well as in the outer ear.
What is Podagra?
Podagra is actually a Greek word, which means foot trap. Podagra actually defines gout of the big toe or the foot, mainly affecting the joints at the base of the big toes. This is caused by the excess levels of uric acid in the blood. Either the excessive amount of uric acid is being yielded or there is no sufficient amount that’s excreted from the urine. Moreover, the uric acid will then settle and crystallize in the joints. It is by then when the body reacts to this particular inflammatory immune response with a lingering gout attack. Or on a lighter note, you may have some swelling, tenderness, or redness in the foot area.
Basically, podagra is gout. However, more specifically, it is called that way when it appears in the big toe, which consists of 50% of the cases. However, podagra may also affect all of the joints on the feet and ankle. In the event that the time becomes more limited, the condition will make it difficult for you to walk.
Why does podagra happen?
In the actual fact, podagra happens when the uric acid crystals accrue in the joint. We know that the uric acid is formed through the breakdown of purines. Purines are the chemicals typically found in meat, seafood, and some other foods. Normally, the kidneys remove this acid with no problem at all. However, there are certain times where they may be overwhelmed since there is an excessive amount of uric acid. Or maybe they cannot remove it fast enough. When this occurs, the uric acid becomes sodium urate crystals. The more these particular crystals accrue, the higher the possibility that gout will occur.
Symptoms
The symptoms of podagra do not normally cause any problems in an instant, yet over the due course, they may irritate the lining of the joint. This may lead to inflammation. In turn, this may lead to redness and swelling on the affected area. In the actual fact, podagra accounts for more than a half of the cases of gout.
Moreover, the symptoms may appear suddenly, particularly at night. Not just that, it may also gradually worsen over a few hours. Pain, usually last from about 5 to 10 days. Unluckily, though, it is not at all rare for those who suffer from gout to experience another attack in a year. As the time goes by, and more crystals form, gout attacks may increase.
Gout and Podagra: What to do now?
If you are suffering from gout and podagra, make certain that you rest your foot as much as you can. You should rest it either rested or elevated in the bed. Furthermore, you should also keep your joint or foot cool with an ice pack for about 20 minutes at a time. Also, you should take some ibuprofen to lower the pain and increase the mobility. You should also avoid any exercise and you should only walk if you must. Try walking with either a cane or some other support so that you do not add so much weight on the foot.
