Gout is a localized form of inflammatory arthritis which intermittently occurs in the feet, lower legs, knees, fingers and wrists. The root cause of gout is high levels of uric acid in the patient’s bloodstream, and symptoms include swollen joints which feel hot and are tender to the touch; the most commonly affected appendage is the big toe. Genetics is believed to play a strong role in the development of gout, and the condition is more common in patients who eat high levels of meat and seafood, and drink alcohol and drinks sweetened with fructose. Management typically revolves around non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), though steroidal treatments as well as uricosurics and xanthine oxidase inhibitors are also highly effective.
