Symptoms of Gout
September 2, 2008
Gout is a condition caused by the increased deposit of uric acid crystals in body tissues. This results is recurring attacks of painful arthritis or joint inflammation. Gout is associated with the body’s inability to process uric acid. As hard crystals of uric acid get settled around the joints, kidneys do not function properly and leads to kidney failure. Kidney stones are formed due to the blockage of the filtering tubules due to uric-acid crystals. In certain cases, increased levels of uric acid in blood causes a condition called hyperuricemia. Such people will be saved from kidney disorders. However, all people with hyperuricimea, need not be victims of gout.
Joint inflammation is caused by the increased deposit of crystals of uric acid in the synovial fluid found between the joints. Uric acid crystals are also found in the synovial lining. The inflammation gets intensified as the white blood cells envelop the uric-acid deposits.
The joint beneath the big toe, ankles, wrists, fingers, elbows and knees are the major gout prone areas in the human body. Rapid pain, swelling and tenderness are the common external symptoms of this disorder. The affected joint will become so tender that even the soft touch of a blanket can turn to be extremely painful. Repeated attacks of arthritis together with fever are the common symptoms of people with gout. Men are nine times more prone to this disorder than women. It is only after menopause that women are generally affected by gout.
In its advanced stage, nodular masses of uric acid deposits are spotted in various soft body tissues. These generally include fingers and elbows. However, no joint is completely free from the attack. In certain cases, these nodules are spotted around the vocal cords, ears and even near the spinal cord. Rarely, gout
can lead to a more severe type of joint inflammation that is similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

































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