[Involvement of the foot in metabolic diseases]

Abstract

In the acute stage of gout, the hallux is most commonly involved followed by the mediotarsal joints and the Achilles tendons. Diagnosis of gout is established when typical monosodium urate crystals can be identified. Apart from NSAIDs, colchicine can be used when there is no renal impairment. Hypouricemic agents (allopurinol or uricosuric drugs) must be initiated one or two weeks after the acute attack of gout because there are risks of exacerbation. Losartan as well as fenofibrate have uricosuric properties. Chondrocalcinosis of the foot can be observed in hemochromatosis. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) can cause severe talagia. Hypercholesterolemia can induce xanthomas of the Achilles tendons. Apatite rheumatism can be observed in chronic dialysis patients.