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WHAT IS GOUT?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis, commonly in the big toes, foot, ankles or knees.
The chronic disease is a result of high levels of uric acid in the blood. When one experiences gout attacks, they will feel episodes of sudden pain in the joint, which rapidly becomes red, hot, swollen and painful, with severe limitation in joint function including walking.
According to the US’s National Institute Of Arthritis And Musculoskeletal And Skin Diseases, gout, which doctors consider a common form of arthritis, typically happens between the ages of 40 and 50.
However, it seems that men in their 30s are increasingly becoming prone to gout.
There has even been a gout patient as young as 17 years old in Singapore.
WHY ARE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE GETTING GOUT?
The reason could lie with your diet. Nowadays, young people are consuming high-protein diets, increasing their alcohol intake while lacking water intake. Hence, this causes an excess of uric acid, which is produced when the body breaks down purines found in meat, poultry, seafood and alcohol.
When there is too much uric acid in the body, it crystallises into needles in the joints.
However, it is not your diet alone which causes gout. Other risk factors include hypertension, obesity and a family history of gout. Additionally, gout tends to affect men more than women; post-menopausal women are more likely to develop this arthritic condition.
IS THERE A HEALTH CHECKUP THAT SCREENS FOR GOUT?
Yes, there is and it is best to get yourself screened so you can either rule out being affected by gout or treat it early if you have indeed developed the condition.
When you sign up for Affinite Care's annual subscription (priced at $120), you will be entitled to a free gout screening. The screening will be carried out at MHC Medical Centre (Amara).
Click on our brochure to find out more.
Affinite Care is applicable to anyone living in Singapore. This includes Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and anyone with a work permit.
Simply call or text us at 97853550 any day from 9am to 9pm, to learn how to sign up for Affinite Care. You may also message us on Facebook!
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