While a rich diet that contains lots of red meat, rich sauces, and brandy is popularly associated with gout, there are other protein compounds in such foods as lentils and beans which may play a role. Early diagnosis is important to effective treatment of any form. Destruction of cartilage is not reversible, and if the inflammation of arthritic disease isn't treated, both cartilage and bone can be damaged, which makes the joints increasingly difficult to move. Even bunions can be manifestations of arthritis. Arthritis may be treated in many ways.
Patient education is important.
Physical therapy and exercise may be indicated, accompanied by medication. Aspirin is still the first-line drug of choice for most forms of arthritis, and the benchmark against which the efficacy of a host of therapies is measured. The control of foot functions with shoe inserts called orthoses, or with braces or specially prescribed shoes, may be indicated. DPM - All rights reserved.