Victorian disease making a comeback in UK - all the symptoms to look out for
17.09.2023 - 10:04
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A disease commonly suffered in Victorian times is making a comeback across the UK.
According to specialists, as many as one million people in Britain may have gout. The disease is caused by a chemical called uric acid, This chemical forms small crystals, known as tophi, in and around the joints in the body. The tophi then leads to inflammation - causing swelling, irritation, extreme pain and tenderness in the affected area.
The disease was prominent in Victorian Britain, with many associating gout with people from that era. However, gout has resurged, with the cases of the disease increasing since the Covid 19 pandemic. According to an NHS specialist, around 250,000 people were admitted to hospital needing treatment due to the condition between 2021 and 2022, reports the Mirror.
More recent figures show that between one and two per cent of Brits are currently suffering with the condition or some symptoms of it.
The warning signs to look out for include: sudden severe pain in a joint – usually your big toe, but it can be in other joints in your feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows or knees.
Hot, swollen, red skin over the impacted joint area is also a symptom. The redness may be more difficult to notice on those with darker skin tones.
The crystals can develop anywhere in our bodies but they are most commonly found in areas such as toes, heels, knees, fingers, ears, forearms or even in the elbow.
Treatment can stop the tophi from getting bigger, with successful treatment often able to gradually shrink them. However, very large crystals may need to be surgically removed.
Gout can become more frequent and prolonged if not treated, with a risk of permanent joint damage. In some severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or