what causes gout in the foot

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints, usually as flares that last for a week or two, and then disappear. Gout most commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. The main cause of gout is a buildup of uric acid in the body, which can then form needle-shaped crystals in and around the joint, leading to inflammation and arthritis of the joint. Uric acid crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood, which can occur when your body produces too much uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances that are found naturally in your body and certain foods, including red meat and organ meats, such as liver. Other factors that may increase your chances of getting gout include obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, and drinking beverages that have high-fructose corn syrup, such as soda.