Gout

Gout (also called gouty arthritis, Greek name: podagra, from pod - foot and agra - trap) is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. It is an intensely painful disease, which in most cases affects only one joint (monoarthritis), most commonly the big toe.

Stages of Gout

Gout has four distinct stages: asymptomatic, acute, intercritical, and chronic.

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In the first (asymptomatic) stage, plasma uric acid level increases, but there is no symptoms. The first attack of gout marks the second or acute stage. Mild attack usually go away quickly, whereas severe attack can last days or even weeks. After the initial attack, the person enters the intercritical stage or symptom-free interval that may last months or even years. Most gout patients have their second attack within 6 months to 2 years from their initial episode.

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In the last or chronic stage, gout attack becomes frequent and becomes polyarticular (affecting multiple joints at one time). Large tophi can also be found in many joints. In advanced cases of chronic gout, kidney damage, hypertension, and urolithiasis (kidney stone) can also develop.

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