A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that the use of popular grout treatment, Colcrys, has recently decreased due to an action taken by the Food and Drug Administration that resulted in lower production of colchicine and increased cost of the product. Colcrys was granted market exclusivity by the FDA in 2010 for three years making the cost of colchicine jump from $0.09 to five dollars per tablet. The FDA took this action to decrease the use of the gout medicine in addition to the use of clarithromycin, since the use of both drugs together is potentially very dangerous. Accordingly this action taken by the FDA will result in over reliance in alternatives such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids for gout treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.

Read more about Gout