Gout is an inflammatory joint disease that causes acute pain and
swelling. It is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid crystals form
in and around the joints, commonly affecting the big toe joint (this symptom is
called podagra).
Gout causes warmth, pain, swelling, redness, and extreme tenderness
of the affected joint, and it may cause chills and fever. Gout may involve
other joints of the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows.
Inherited factors (genes) may play a role in a person's risk for
developing high uric acid levels. Gout can seem to flare up without specific
cause or can be brought on by factors such as being overweight, eating meats
and seafood that are high in chemicals called purines, taking certain
medications (especially aspirin and diuretics), and drinking too much alcohol.
Symptoms of gout usually begin suddenly, often at night, and the
pain may be severe. Chronic gout may cause painless nodules (tophi) to develop
under the skin. Without treatment, gout attacks tend to recur and may cause
severe damage to joints, tendons, and other tissues. Gout usually can be
successfully treated with medication.
