DISLOCATIONS. GOUT. 49 



of the knee and ankle joints are apt to be more serious, 

 and if neglected or unwisely managed may lead to per- 

 manent lameness. In such accidents it is best to send at 

 once for a surgeon ; until he arrives, if the pain is great, 

 apply cloths wrung out of hot water. 



3. What to do in Case of a Dislocation. The ligaments 

 and soft parts around dislocated joints swell rapidly, 

 and make it not only difficult to find out in what direc- 

 tion the bones have been displaced, but, after finding 

 this, difficult to replace them. When a dislocation is 

 suspected, get skilled advice as soon as possible; mean- 

 time keep the joint at rest. More harm than good is 

 almost certain to be done by the twisting and pulling 

 and pushing of persons ignorant of anatomy. 



A dislocated finger may, however, be in most cases 

 safely reduced that is, have the bones put into place by 

 almost any one. What is needed is a strong pull, com- 

 bined with pressure near the joint. The reduction of a 

 dislocated thumb should never be attempted except by a 

 surgeon. 



4. Gout is a disease in which some joints, usually of 

 the toes or fingers, become red, swollen, painful, and 

 very tender. Gritty matter also accumulates in them, 

 making the cartilage rough and the joint stiff. In nine 

 cases out of ten gout is due to indolent and luxurious 

 habits, too little exercise, too much animal food, and, 

 above all, indulgence in alcoholic drinks. The disease, 

 like many others produced by alcohol, tends to be in- 

 herited, and so some persons suffer from gout through 



3. Why should a surgeon be called at once in case of most disloca- 

 tions ? How may a dislocated finger be usually reduced ? 



4. What is gout ? To what often due ? What is said concerning 

 hereditary gout ? Is gout ever fatal ? 



