Gout is a cause of acute joint pain and occurs at an earlier age in men than in women. Patients with gout have elevations in the blood of a component called uric acid. Most often these elevations occur because the kidney fails to excrete the uric acid as fast as it is made. Gradually crystals of uric acid deposit in the tissues. These deposits occur around joints, and the release of the crystals into the joint may cause the sudden development of arthritis. The joint becomes red, swollen, hot, and tender. The tenderness is extreme, and patients with fully developed gouty attacks are unable to sustain even a light touch on the joint such as from clothing or bedclothes.
Gout is a cause of acute joint pain and occurs at an earlier age in men than in women. Patients with gout have elevations in the blood of a component called uric acid. Most often these elevations occur because the kidney fails to excrete the uric acid as fast as it is made. Gradually crystals of uric acid deposit in the tissues. These deposits occur around joints, and the release of the crystals into the joint may cause the sudden development of arthritis. The joint becomes red, swollen, hot, and tender. The tenderness is extreme, and patients with fully developed gouty attacks are unable to sustain even a light touch on the joint such as from clothing or bedclothes.
