Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally excreted by the kidneys in the urine. However, sometimes the body produces too much uric acid or doesn’t excrete it properly, leading to the formation of crystals that can accumulate in the joints and cause inflammation.
Symptoms of gout include:
- Severe pain and stiffness in the joint, often starting suddenly and at night
- Swelling and redness in the affected joint
- Limited range of motion in the affected joint
- Tenderness and warmth to the touch in the affected joint
- Small, hard lumps (tophi) under the skin around the joint, which may be visible
- fever
Gout commonly affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints such as the ankle, knee, and elbow. Gout attack can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, painkillers, and colchicine, but to prevent future gout attack and lower the risk of gout-related joint damage, it is important to manage the underlying causes such as high uric acid level in the blood.
