NuHealth
Nassau University Medical Center
2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
www.nuhealth.net 516-572-5809
* * * Press Release ***
Nassau University Medical Center
2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
www.nuhealth.net 516-572-5809
* * * Press Release ***
Dr. Steven J. Walerstein is a medical doctor at NuHealth. Recently he published an article about Gout, a painful arthritis which develops in patients with a high burden of uric acid (or urate). Here is what the doctor had to say about the painful condition:
Characterized by “podagra,” an acute inflammation of the great toe, gout can affect other joints as well as the kidneys. Gout tends to be recurrent over years, with the second episode usually occurring within two years from the first. In its most severe and untreated form, Gout can lead to renal failure. Besides obesity, Gout is associated with hypertension and diabetes, so control of these conditions is part of the basic management of Gout.
Gout is commonly found in middle aged people, with an increased prevalence in patients with obesity, hypertension, alcohol and excessive intake of meat and certain seafood’s. All of these conditions are caused by a buildup of too much uric acid- a natural body constituent that normally dissolves in the blood and is excreted by the kidneys- in the body. When the body has excessive urate, the kidneys excrete too little, or the diet contains too much, levels can build up.
Gout has three phases: acute, intercritical and chronic. Acute Gouty Arthritis is very painful, develops over 24 hours, and is associated with redness, swelling and tenderness of the joint. The diagnosis is often based upon aspiration of joint fluid with a small needle, and microscopic examination for the characteristic gouty crystals. Treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids.
For more information, and to read the full article written by Dr. Steven J. Walerstein, click here.
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