Definition

• Gout is a condition that occurs when the crystal form of uric acid (a metabolic waste) accumulates in the joints. The joint of the large toe is usually affected by gout, but it also may develop in the joints of the elbow, wrist, hand, ankle and knee.
  
  

Uric Acid Crystallization

• The crystallization of uric acid results in the formation of urate crystals, called tophi. These crystals are found in the synovial fluids or lubricating fluids of joints, causing pain and inflammation.
  
  

Metabolic Disorder

• An increased rate in the degradation of the purine components of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) leads to overproduction of uric acid in the bloodstream. This may indicate that the inherited genetic material is defective and causes a metabolic abnormality. The metabolic disorder in gout may also be attributed to excess consumption of purine-rich foods, such as alcohol and anchovies, which cause the accumulation of urate crystals in joints.
  
  

Pain Management

• The pain caused by swelling of the joints is treated with analgesics or drugs that prevent inflammation. Medications such as allopurinol, alloxanthine and colchicines alleviate the formation of urate crystals and are effective for pain management of gout.
  
  

Dietary Management

• Dietary management of gout includes: purine-restricted diets, to lower uric acid in the blood; low-fat diets, because fats delay the uric acid excretion of kidneys; and adequate fluid intake to flush out the urate crystals that accumulate in joints.