Gout is a disease hallmarked by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. In this condition, crystals of uric acid are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. It is marked by transient painful attacks of acute arthritis initiated by crystallization of urates within and about the joints and eventually leads to chronic gouty arthritis and the deposition of masses of urates in joints and other sites. Gout results from a combination of prolonged elevation of uric acid and overall acidity in the bloodstream. In isolation, neither elevated uric acid nor acidity is sufficient to cause gout. Gout usually attacks the big toe (approximately 75 percent of first attacks); however, it also can affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, or spine. In some cases, the condition may appear in the joints of small toes that have become immobile due to impact injury earlier in life; the resulting poor blood circulation can lead to gout.

Symptoms:
*sudden, unexpected, burning pain
*swelling
*redness
*warmth and stiffness of the affected joint
*low-grade fever may be present
*pain when moving the affected area
*inflammation of the tissues surrounding the joint (causing skin to be swollen, tender, and sore).

Treatment:
*pain relief medication such as (NSAIDs) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
*intra-articular glucocorticoids administered via a joint injection
*surgery may be necessary to remove the large tophi and correct joint deformity

If you or a loved one is suffering from Gout, talk to your doctor about treatment options.