Gout and Nail Fungus

Posted: March 1, 2018 8:32 am

 

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares.

Did you know? Over celebrating on St. Patty’s Day could lead to a gout attack. Although beer may be the worst drink for gout, any alcoholic beverage can trigger gout symptoms in people who are prone to the disease.

The signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly, and often at night. They include:

• Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the large joint of your big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.
• Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints.
• Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red.
• Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.

Gout that goes untreated can lead to worsening pain and joint damage. Seek medical care immediately if you have a fever and a joint is hot and inflamed, which can be a sign of infection. Call our office to be seen during an attack, we offer same day scheduling for your convenience.

Green for St. Patty’s Day yes, but not for nails. Fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back.

Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet, it’s called athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).

Symptoms

You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are: thickened, whitish to yellow-brown discoloration, brittle, crumbly or ragged, distorted in shape, a dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail, or smelling slightly foul.

 

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