Gout in men Vitamin C lowers risk and may prevent gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when excess uric acid – a natural compound in the body – builds up in the blood. In a 20-year study of about 47,000 men, those who consumed over 1,500 mg of vitamin C per day from all sources were nearly half as likely to have gout as were men who got less than 250 mg per day.

In gout, excess uric acid forms sharp, needle-like crystalline deposits in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Doctors believe vitamin C may help the kidneys excrete excess uric acid and may keep excess uric acid from forming.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine

Is Inflammation Bad?

The inflammatory process, the way nature heals injuries, is the body’s mustering system. It is a three-component process. The blood brings white blood cells to the injury to fight off infection and clean up dead tissue. Nutrient building blocks assemble to rebuild the weakened tissue. New blood vessels form to bring increased amounts of blood with oxygen.

Inflammation is a vital process, but sometimes chronic inflammation can be self-defeating. It overinflames. Chronic tendonitis is an example of overinflammation.

Source: Sports Health

What is Plantar Fasciitis? Part II

As earlier discussed, improper foot movement can cause plantar fasciitis. If the foot flattens too much at the arch, the tissue may overstretch. In return, if the foot flattens too little, the fascia is too tight and causes pain.

A heel spur can also cause plantar fasciitis. This bone growth can be caused by a pull on the heel bone over time.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis occur on the bottom of the foot, usually in the morning. Pain may decrease after walking briefly, but comes back with rest or over activity.

What is Plantar Fasciitis? Part I

The plantar fascia is a large group of ligaments that are bound together and run from the ball of the foot to the heel. This group of tissue creates a tension that pulls your foot into an arch. With improper movement of the foot these ligaments begin to break down. This causes inflammation, and now you have a condition called plantar fasciitis.