Gout
Gout is a disease usually caused by having too much uric acid in your body. Too much uric acid may not cause symptoms for years, but after a time it usually causes painful joint inflammation (arthritis). The most common site of inflammation is the joint between the foot and the big toe. Later attacks often affect other joints of the foot and leg. Less often, the arms and hands are affected.
In addition to the arthritis, gout causes the formation of tophi. Tophi are lumpy deposits of uric acid crystals just under the skin. Common places for tophi to develop are in the outer edge of the ear, on or near the elbow, over the fingers and toes, and around the Achilles tendon in the ankle.
Gout can also cause kidney stones made of uric acid.
Most people who have gout are middle-aged men, but it can occur at any age. Only 5 to 10% of cases of gout occur in women, most often after menopause.
| Service Name | Appointment |
|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation | 734-936-7175 |
