Gout and Uric Acid
Gout occurs when there are abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in
the blood and tissues. Uric acid is the end product of the metabolism of
chemicals called purines that are found in many foods. Purines are also
found naturally in the body. Normally, the body disposes of excess uric
acid via the urine, but in people with gout uric acid accumulates in the
body.
This can be due to reduced excretion of uric acid by the kidneys or to
overproduction of uric acid by the body. This accumulation of uric acid
may also cause kidney stones.
Gout attack
When uric acid accumulates in the blood and tissues it can crystallise
out into a joint, forming a multitude of tiny, jagged, needle-shaped
crystals. This triggers an intense inflammatory response that causes a
painful arthritis attack called a gout attack.
This type of attack commonly strikes the big toe, but other joints can
be affected, including the instep, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and
fingers. Acute pain is generally the first symptom and then the affected
joint becones inflamed (almost infected-looking): red, swollen, hot and
extremely sensitive to the touch.