Gout is a common and complex form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often starting in the big toe
. It occurs when high levels of uric acid (urate) build up in the body, leading to the formation of needle-shaped urate crystals that deposit in joints and surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and intense pain
. The condition typically progresses through stages:
- Hyperuricemia: Elevated urate levels without symptoms.
- Gout flares: Periodic attacks of intense joint pain and swelling.
- Intercritical gout: Symptom-free intervals between attacks.
- Tophi: Chronic stage with crystal deposits forming lumps under the skin, potentially causing joint and organ damage
Gout is caused by either overproduction or underexcretion of uric acid, which is a waste product from the breakdown of purines found in the body's tissues and many foods, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol
. Risk factors include diet, obesity, genetics, high blood pressure, and metabolic conditions like diabetes
. While gout can affect anyone, it is more common in men, especially after age 40, and in women after menopause
. Attacks often come on suddenly, frequently at night, and can last from days to weeks
. Treatment involves managing acute attacks with anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids, and long-term prevention through lifestyle changes and medications that lower uric acid levels like allopurinol
. With proper management, gout is one of the most controllable forms of arthritis
