Gout is a disease in which there generally are recurring episodes involving tender and swollen joints. In about half of the cases, the big toe is affected. When this occurs, it can be referred to as podagra. It is thought that somewhere up to two percent of people in Western nations will experience this illness at some time.

Symptoms

Aside from the a joint in the big toe, this disease may affect other areas. For instance, the heel is a nearby location that can be affected. In the area of the hands, the fingers and wrists may become swollen in a person who has developed gout. If the level of uric acid is high over a long period of time, other issues can also show up. One such possibility is that tophi (singular: tophus) might appear. These are collections of crystals of uric acid. If gout is untreated, then it may take around ten years for these to show up, but the timing in an individual can vary significantly.

Causes

Gout is medically brought on by an elevated level of uric acid in the patient's blood. This condition is known as hyperuricemia. There are different ranges for men and women, with the high end of the usual area being 6.8 mg/dL in men and 6.0 mg/dL in women. As for what leads to the raised amounts of uric acid, there are various factors. Genetics can be involved. Diet is also a factor in some cases. There seem to be certain foods and drinks that assist in its development, as well as some that protect against it. Some medical conditions are also associated with gout. Metabolic syndrome is an example.

Diagnosis

If someone has the common form, podagra, as well as a raised level of uric acid, a diagnosis of gout can be made without any additional examination or testing. In other situations, synovial fluid or X-rays may be used, depending upon the type of case being looked into. Blood testing is done to find the level of uric acid, but almost half of the cases of gout happen despite no elevation in this, and even amongst those who do have raised levels, the majority do not develop this disease. Differential diagnosis possibilities may be considered. A major item in this area is septic arthritis, but there are other illnesses that may be considered, such as pseudogout.

Treatment

When an acute episode is occurring, then treatment is initially aimed at relief for the symptoms that appear in that situation. In the time between episodes, reduction of uric acid levels may be attempted to try to avoid recurrences.