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Gout is a form of arthritis that most commonly affects the big toe joint in the foot. Its onset is usually very rapid usually overnight and the pain it causes is extremely intense it makes walking very difficult. Usually with no treatment it will subside in a few days to a week. The second attack may not occur for several months and following this if not treated the attacks will become more and more frequent. Gout affects males far greater than females. The most common joint affected is the big toe joint however as the condition progresses more joints will be affected.
Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricaemia, which means elevated uric acid levels. Uric acid is normally present dissolved in the blood what happens is the uric acid tends to crystallise in the extremities as it is usually colder there it is these crystals which lead to acute inflammation which causes gout. Risk factors include foods containing purines, these include tomatoes, red wine and anchovies. Patients who carry more weight than normal are at a higher risk and those patients with kidney disease may develop hyperuricaemia which can lead to gout attacks.
Standard treatment involves putting the patient on long term drugs to lower the levels of uric acid within the blood, also diet control by avoiding foods which contain purines. Loosing weight will also help this condition. If the patient has had frequent attacks of gout they may have permanent damage to the joints this can be seen on X-ray.
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Page last updated 14 October, 2007