Gout is a common form of arthritis and is caused by a build up of a waste product called uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is usually dissolved in the bloodstream, then filtered by the kidneys and eliminated from the body as urine. However, a build up of uric acid can settle in the joints as crystals causing swelling and pain. It usually only affects one joint at a time.
Symptoms and characteristics
The joint of the big toe is usually the first affected. The toe becomes red, swollen and very painful. Other joints commonly affected include the knees, ankles and joints in the feet. Gout attacks can occur very quickly and may last for a week if left untreated. An initial attack may not be followed by further attacks for months or years. Without correct management, attacks can become more frequent and last longer.
People with gout may benefit from long-term healthy lifestyle changes such as:
- maintaining a healthy weight
- restricting alcoholic drinks
- drinking plenty of water
- getting regular exercise
- treating high blood pressure
- consulting a dietician for dietary advice specific to assisting with gout prevention and management.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with gout to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- during gout attacks, modification of tasks or duties are beneficial to reduce impact on the particular joint affected, including avoiding long periods of standing if big toe is affected
- providing and adjusting an ergonomic chair or stool to a person’s needs, to allow postural rotation during gout attacks
- changing work routine to build in regular changes in posture to avoid static sitting and standing.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Arthritis Australia 2011, 10 steps for living well with Arthritis, Arthritis Australia, New South Wales, viewed 10 November 2011, http://arthritisaustralia.com.au/images/stories/documents/booklets/2011_updates/10_Steps_for_living_well_with_arthritis.pdf.
Better Health Channel 2011, Gout, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Gout?OpenDocument.