Gout is a disease caused by a violation of purine metabolism, in which uric acid crystals accumulate in different parts of the body, mainly in the joints.
Acute gouty arthritis is an inflammation of the joint, accompanied by severe pain, most often the first procalcaneal-phalangeal joint (thumb) is involved in the process. After a few years, other joints enter the process, tophi appear (whitish clusters visible from the outside). Possible damage to internal organs, especially the kidneys.
Risk factors:
Obesity
Abuse of protein foods
Alcohol abuse
The necessary examinations include: general and biochemical blood tests, especially the determination of the level of uric acid, ultrasound and X-ray examinations of the joints, etc.
Treatment should begin as soon as possible.
A rheumatologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of gout.