Gout is caused when the levels of uric acid become so high that sharp crystals form inside the joint. These urate crystals cause inflammation. This combination of urate crystals in the joint and inflammation results in the signs and symptoms of gout.
While there is no one specific cause of gout, there are a number of factors that increase a person's chances of developing gout.
When high levels of uric acid in the blood lead to deposits of uric acid inside a joint, a person can develop gout. Symptoms of gout may include:
- Sudden onset of intense joint pain
- Swelling in the joints
- Extreme tenderness in the joint area
- Redness and heat at the joint
- Stiffness in the joint.
(Click Gout Symptoms for more information on these symptoms of gout.)
Gout may be difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose because the symptoms of gout may be vague, and they often mimic other conditions. Therefore, in order to make a gout diagnosis, the healthcare provider will ask a number of questions, perform a physical exam looking for signs and symptoms of gout, and recommend certain tests and procedures.
(Click Gout Diagnosis for more information on this topic, including conditions that may share similar symptoms with gout.)
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print