Gout
Gout is due to a defect in the metabolism of uric acid, causing high levels to be present in the bloodstream and the subsequent deposition of crystals of sodium urate in joints. This produces an acutely painful swollen inflamed joint - classically affecting the first joint of the big toe, though other joints such as the knee may be affected, or several at once. There may be a single attack which resolves, or repeated attacks representing prolonged high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Since this can be a cause of kidney damage it may be necessary to take treatment to lower the level of uric acid (to say nothing of the need to reduce the painful arthritis). In those who are susceptible (and there are very many since this is a fairly common condition) attacks maybe precipitated by a number of different factors such as the use of diuretic drugs or excess alcohol. It might be better to avoid precipitating factors if possible.
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