Is Your Lifestyle Putting You at Risk for Gout?

Gout is a complex form of arthritis that can occur in one or more joints but most often affects the big toe. Gout attacks can come on suddenly. The affected joint is swollen, tender, and hot, and even the weight of something like a bedsheet can be extremely painful. Symptoms usually appear suddenly at night. The pain is severe for as long as 12 hours after the onset of symptoms, and discomfort can last for days or weeks.

Gout has specific causes, and knowing what they are can help keep attacks under control.

1. How Uric Acid Causes Gout

Uric acid is created from the breakdown of purines, which are chemicals commonly found in some drinks and foods. Most of the time, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is eliminated through the kidneys, but if your body produces too much uric acid or if you have kidney problems that prevent enough of it from being removed, it can accumulate in the body.