Gout (Gouty Arthritis) is a form of arthritis resulting from accumulation of uric acid crystals in the tissues. This disorder generally involves one or two joints at a time, most commonly the joints of ankles and feet. Gout can be commonly found in men than in women. In women, it can be seen after menopause.
Gout (gouty arthritis) is extremely painful condition with rapid onset of symptoms like joint inflammation. There is crystallization of uric acid in the synovial fluid and synovial lining. White blood cells absorb the uric acid crystals and release specific chemicals which are responsible for inflammation leading to pain, redness and heat of joint tissues. People with higher levels of uric acid, obesity, high intake of food containing purines, high alcohol intake and abnormal kidney function are more susceptible to this disease.
The symptoms of gouty arthritis are acute and often occur at night. The joints of ankles, knees, feet, wrists, hands and toes are affected by this disorder. The affected joints become red, tender and swollen. Patients with acute gout attacks can develop fever. Due to deposition of uric acid crystals in bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) around the joints, there may be bursitis resulting in swelling and pain around the joints. In some rare cases, gout (gouty arthritis) may result in more chronic type of joint inflammation which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
In the chronic condition of gouty arthritis, there may be deposition of nodular masses of uric acid crystals in various soft tissue areas. They are most frequently found as hard nodules around the fingers, around the big toe and at the tips of elbows. Tophi (uric acid crystals) nodules may be seen anywhere in the body such as vocal cords, ears and rarely around the spinal cord.
Recurrent gout and high uric acid levels may be related to high blood pressure. The combination of high blood pressure and hyperuricaemia may result in kidney damage. As the disease progresses, it can lead to chronic changes in affected joints and kidney stones. Untreated gout can cause permanent disability and may develop into painful and disabling chronic disease. Persistent gout can cause cartilage and bone damage, resulting in irreversible joint deformities and loss of mobility. Tophi may grow to the size of handballs which can destroy cartilage in the joints and bone. If lodged in the spine, tophi can give rise to serious damage such as compression. In extreme cases, destruction of joints may result in complete disability. Besides this, gout is associated with heart problems such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.