What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden joint inflammation, usually in one joint. Severe gout can sometimes affect many joints at once. This is known as polyarticular gout.

Signs and Symptoms of Gout

1. Hyperuricemia
2. More than one attack of acute arthritis
3. Arthritis that develops in a day, producing a swollen, red, and warm joint
4. Presence of uric acid crystals in joint fluid

Gout can cause:

1. Pain
2. Swelling
3. Heat
4. Redness
5. Stiffness in joints

Gout is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid in the body. Uric acid crystal deposits in the joint cause inflammation of the joint leading to pain, redness, heat, and swelling. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood. It passes through the kidneys and out of the body in urine. But uric acid can build up in the blood when:

1. A person eats too many foods high in purines.
2. The body increases the amount of uric acid it makes.
3. The kidneys do not get rid of enough uric acid.

Gout frequently affects joints in the lower extremities. The most typical location for gout to occur is the big toe. The doctor may also recommend losing weight, for those who are overweight; limiting alcohol consumption; and avoiding or limiting high-purine foods, which can increase uric acid levels.