Gouty arthritis
Gouty Arthritis
Gouty arthritis, or simply gout (pronounced: /gaʊt/), is a form of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints. The term "gout" is derived from the Latin word "gutta", meaning "a drop", referring to the belief that gout was caused by a drop-by-drop accumulation of humors in the joints.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of gouty arthritis is a sudden onset of severe pain in the affected joint, often the big toe. Other symptoms may include redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint. These symptoms are often referred to as "gout attacks" and can last from a few days to a few weeks.
Causes
Gouty arthritis is caused by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can form hard crystals in the joints. This can be due to the body producing too much uric acid or not excreting enough of it. Certain foods and drinks, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol, can increase the levels of uric acid in the body.
Treatment
Treatment for gouty arthritis typically involves medications to reduce the pain and inflammation, as well as lifestyle changes to help manage the condition. This can include a diet low in purines, which are found in foods that can increase uric acid levels, and avoiding alcohol.
Related Terms
- Arthritis: A general term for conditions that cause inflammation in the joints.
- Uric acid: A waste product in the blood that can form hard crystals in the joints when there is too much of it.
- Purines: Substances found in certain foods that can increase uric acid levels when consumed in large amounts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gouty arthritis
- Wikipedia's article - Gouty arthritis
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