Gout is a common type of arthritis that results from uric acid crystal deposits in the joints. The body's reaction to these deposits causes inflammation, swelling and pain. The condition usually affects just a single joint a time and most commonly the joint of the big toe. It does however affect other joints such as the ankle, foot, knee, hand, wrist and elbow with sudden painful attacks.

Uric acid is a byproduct produced from the breaking down of proteins and cells in the body. Also a small amount enters our bodies from the foods we eat. When elimination of uric acid from the blood is not effective, excess may form needle-like sharp crystals that find their way into joint spaces and surrounding tissue.

Gout is a complex disorder. Usually the first attack occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and although it affects mostly men it can attack anyone at any age. Women become more susceptible after menopause. The condition can also be inherited. However, gout is a treatable condition and there are steps that can be taken to prevent it from recurring.

Symptoms of gout are acute, sudden and include: Intense pain of a joint. Gout most commonly affects the big toe. Pain can last up to 10 days and then subsides leaving the joint normal. Inflammation, heat and redness - The joint becomes red, painful and swollen. Crystal deposits can cause also a condition known as false gout but in this case the composition of crystals is calcium phosphate dehydrate and not uric acid. False gout does affect the big toe but it is more likely to attack joints such as ankles, knees and wrists.

The trigger for initiating gout is substances found naturally in the body but also certain foods such as organ meats, anchovies, mushrooms, asparagus and excess alcohol. Other factors include: not enough fluid intake, crash dieting, fluid tablets, anti-rejection drugs, medical conditions such as high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, genetics, age and sex. An initial attack it is not usually followed by a subsequent attack for months or even years. If the condition is left without correct management it can become more frequent and last for longer periods of time.

See your health care provider if you experience intense, sudden pain in a joint to obtain a diagnosis. Your doctor may test for levels of uric acid in the blood and urine and take a fluid sample from the affected joint to confirm a diagnosis. Proper diagnosis and management usually result in gout being well controlled.

The outlook for people with gout is mostly positive. A small number of people with gout can develop kidney stones and a condition called tophi. This is a chronic form of arthritis with discolored deposits under their skin.

Treatment for gout attacks is mostly based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in severe cases corticosteroid drugs. Once the condition under control your physician may recommend a preventative treatment with drugs to slow down the rate by which uric acid is produced and speed elimination. You can also make life style changes to help with symptoms such as intake of plenty of fluids, limited amounts of alcohol, avoid excessive animal protein and keep a healthy weight.