| Gout is also known as crystal-induced | | | | pseudo-gout, results from the deposits of |
| arthritis. It is a medical condition that | | | | calcium-based crystals in the joints. In |
| sets in when uric acid crystals collect on | | | | almost 90 percent of incidences of gout, men |
| the joints. At the first stage, gout usually | | | | over the age of 40 and menopausal women are |
| affects the large joints in the big toe. | | | | affected. An "episode" often takes place |
| Gradually it can spread to other parts of the | | | | during the night. Within 12 to 24 hours of |
| body, like the ankles, the instep, the heels | | | | the onset, the afflicted joint becomes |
| and the knees, the wrists and fingers of the | | | | severely inflamed and starts to ache |
| hand and the elbows. In severe cases, even | | | | rigorously. The gout attack usually lasts |
| the shoulders, hips or spine can be affected. | | | | about five to 10 days. The Signs and Symptoms |
| Gout does not spread from one joint to the | | | | of Gout include: Hyperuricemia Presence of |
| next. Uric acid is a metabolic end product | | | | uric acid crystals in joint fluid More than |
| that is formed at the time the body breaks | | | | one attack of acute arthritis Arthritis that |
| down purines present in certain food items. | | | | develops in 1 day Attack of arthritis in only |
| In normal conditions, the uric acid gets | | | | one joint, usually the toe, ankle, or knee A |
| dissolved in the blood and gets eliminated | | | | painful joint that is swollen, red, and warm |
| from the body through the kidneys into the | | | | The probable causes of gout include: Genetic |
| urine. However, people having a propensity | | | | defects in metabolism resulting in |
| for gout have such high levels of uric acid | | | | hyper-production and retention of uric acid |
| in their blood that the acid precipitates out | | | | in the blood Kidney failure leading to |
| in the form of crystals. The crystals get | | | | hampered elimination of uric acid from the |
| accumulated on the joints and other tissues, | | | | body Diuretic medications employed in the |
| leading to inflammation and excruciating | | | | treatment of heart failure and diabetes. |
| pain. A chronic condition can lead to the | | | | Erratic lifestyle, alcohol abuse, purine-rich |
| formation of tophi lumps formed under the | | | | diet and excess weight Surgery or sudden |
| skin due to large deposits on severely | | | | injury, severe illness Proper understanding |
| affected joints of the elbow, fingers and | | | | of the cause and symptoms of gout can help in |
| toes, and even on the external pinna. Another | | | | achieving a successful cure for gout attacks. |
| medical condition, referred to as the | | | | |