Acute gouty arthritis
Definition
Acute gouty arthritis is a sudden attack of pain in the joints, especially in the feet and legs, that occur when uric acid builds up in the joints.
See also: Chronic gouty arthritis
Alternative Names
Gouty arthritis - acute; Gout - acuteCauses
Gout is caused by an overproduction of uric acid or a reduced ability of the kidney to get rid of uric acid. The exact cause is unknown. It is more common in males, postmenopausal women, and people who drink alcohol.
The condition may also develop in people with:
The condition may occur after taking medicines that interfere with uric acid excretion.
Gout has 4 stages:
- Asymptomatic
- Acute
- Intercritical
- Chronic
This article discusses acute gouty arthritis only.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.