Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, often at the base of the big toe. This condition occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when there are high levels of uric acid in the blood. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and in certain foods. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine. However, sometimes the body either produces too much uric acid or the kidneys excrete too little. When this happens, uric acid can build up, forming sharp, needle-like urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue that cause pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Gout is associated with other serious health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and kidney problems. Its management includes medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation during an acute attack, and drugs to reduce uric acid levels in the blood, preventing future episodes. Lifestyle changes, such as a diet low in purines, adequate hydration, and maintaining a healthy body weight, can help manage and reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. Regular follow-up is essential, as gout can become chronic and lead to complications like the development of tophi—hard, urate crystal deposits under the skin—or kidney stones.