Gouty Arthritis

Gout is a painful condition that occurs when uric acid, a natural waste product, is deposited as needle-like crystals into the joints and/or soft tissues. In the joints, these uric acid crystals cause inflammatory arthritis, which in turn leads to intermittent swelling, redness, heat, pain, and stiffness in the joints.

In many people, gout initially affects the joints of the big toe, a condition called podagra. But many other joints and areas around the joints can be affected in addition to or instead of the big toe. These include the foots instep, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows.

Chalky deposits of uric acid, also known as tophi, can appear as lumps under the skin that surrounds the joints and covers the rim of the ear. Uric acid crystals can also collect in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.

Gout typically affects men between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. Women are less likely to get it and, if they do develop gout, it's more common among menopausal women. Gout attacks almost always come about abruptly, with no advanced notice.

The pain and inflammation usually last for 5 to 10 days, and then slowly diminish, until the joints look and feel normal.

Gout can progress, eventually causing damage to your joints, potentially leading to disability. However, with proper treatment, most people with gout are able to control their symptoms.

In any case, Gout can affect your ability to do your usual work, hobbies and/or sports activities. It also can lead to changes in the way you walk, and if not addressed, can lead to knee, hip and low back injuries.

Synonyms and related keywords:

gout, gouty arthritis, metabolic arthritis, hyperuricosuria, gouty diathesis, uric acid stones, nephrolithiasis, hyperuricemia, urolithiasis, uric acid calculi, purine, purine-rich food, endogenous uric acid overproduction, urinary stones, primary gout, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, myeloproliferative disease