Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops in people who have high levels of uric acid in the blood. The acid can form needle-like crystals in a joint and cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.
Cause
- Certain conditions, such as blood and metabolism disorders or dehydration, produce too much uric acid.
- A kidney or thyroid problem, or an inherited disorder
- eat too much purine-rich food, such as red meats, organ meats, and certain fish
- Drink alcohol
- High blood pressure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnoea
Symptoms
- Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the large joint of your big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.
- Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red.
- Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.