To put it very simply, gout is the inflammation of the joints when excess amounts of uric acid crystallize in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that occurs in the blood due to the breakdown of purines. People who are afflicted by gout do not have the capacity to break down and excrete this excess uric acid from their body. Consequently, the uric acid level in their blood goes up. Slowly, sharp crystal shards of uric acid are formed in the joints and cause painful inflammation. An attack of gout can strike like a bolt from the blue. The excruciating, throbbing pain turns the skin red-hot and the affected joints become tender and swollen.
We all have uric acid in our blood, but those who are unfortunate enough to suffer from gout either produce too much uric acid or cannot excrete enough of it. Often, the big toe is the prime target of the inflammation. So, gouty arthritis is often called gouty big toe. But gout can affect other joints of the body including the heel of the hand, the ear, ankles, knees, elbows or wrists.
While Gout can appear in just about anybody, the typical victim is a slightly overweight middle-aged male who has a family history of gout....
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