Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis and one of
the few in which the cause is known. In many cases, inflammation
initially develops in the joints of the big toe, a condition
called podagra. It also can affect the instep, ankles, heels,
knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. Although there is no cure for
gout, the majority of patients are able to manage their symptoms
with medications. The disease typically affects men over the age
of 30, post-menopausal women, African Americans, people with
kidney disease and those who have had an organ transplant. In
addition, some families are genetically predisposed to the
condition. Gout is strongly associated with obesity,
hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. The condition results
from deposits of needle-like crystals of uric acid in the
connective tissue and joint spaces. Uric acid is a byproduct of
the breakdown of waste products in the body. Normally, uric acid
is eliminated through the urine. When the body increases its
production of uric acid or if t