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Articular Gout

Foto: Lisa F. Young/
www.fotolia.de

In the English-speaking world the word ‘gout’ is associated with the image of an eighteenth-century gentleman enjoying a glass of port while his swollen foot is resting on a low stool. Unfortunately, it is much more common today than one would imagine.

Approximately five percent of all the significant problems in the field of systemic arthritis are caused by gout. This disease, which is also called metabolic arthritis, affects significantly more men than women; the proportion is 20 to 1. In a lot of cases it is hereditary and does not usually occur until middle age.

The joint at the base of the big toe is involved in approximately 75 percent of initial attacks of gout, but others such as the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers and spine may also be affected. The pain is caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals, which are deposited in the cartilage of joints, tendons and the tissue surrounding them. 06/08

Catherine Croghan

Sie finden den vollständigen Artikel hier oder auch in Die PTA in der Apotheke 06/08 ab Seite 44.

Catherine Croghan

Stichworte: English for PTA, Gicht

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