What is Gout?

 

Gout is a form of arthritis caused the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. The deposition of uric acid crystals in and around joints causes severe pain, swelling and restricted mobility. The most often affected joints are the hands and feet.

 

 

There are four stages of Gout. They are as follows:-

 

1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia:- In this stage increased levels of uric acid in the blood present no symptoms. This stage may last years and does not always lead to gout. People with asymptomatic hyperuricemia do not usually require treatment.

 

2. Acute gout or acute gouty arthritis:- In this stage uric acid crystals in the joints cause intense attacks of the pain and swelling. Attacks may last for hours, days and in some cases even several weeks. Most attacks subside within 5-7 days.

 

3. Intercritical gout:- This stage describes the periods between attacks. People will not have active symptoms during these periods and often receive treatment in order to prevent future attacks.

 

4. Chronic tophaceous gout:- This stage of gout, if it continues untreated, leads to the intercritical periods becoming shorter and the pain becoming chronic. Substantial crystal deposits may form in the joints and in some cases may protrude through the skin. Such crystals are described as tophi.

 

With treatment, most people can avoid the progression of gout to the later stages.