Symptoms and Causes of Gout

Gout in big toe (courtesy : www.punjabkesari.com)

Gout is accumulation of uric acid crystals on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. The crystals cause severe inflammation and pain in the affected area. The disease results from a combination of high concentration of uric acid and overall acidity in the blood stream. Alone, neither uric acid nor acidity can cause gout. Gout usually attacks the big toe but it can also affect the ankle, heel, wrist, elbow, fingers, or spine. According to a health survey 20% of people who suffer from Gout have a family history of the condition.

Causes of Gout

1. Regular alcohol consumption interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body and hence can increase the risk for developing the disease.
2. Lead exposure in the environment.
3. High intake of foods that contain purine.
4. Regular intake of medicines like Aspirin, Levodopa, Cyclosporine.

Common symptoms

1. Inflammation
2. Redness
3. Pain
4. Swelling
5. Stiffness