Gout (gouty arthritis) is characterized by inflammation, swelling, redness and tenderness of joints of ankles, knees, feet, wrists, hands and toe. Deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints is one of the main causes of gout (gouty arthritis). Other possible causes are family history and some diseases and conditions like obesity, diabetes, sickle cell anemia and kidney disease.
Hyperuricaemia is among the significant causes of gout (gouty arthritis). Due to elevated levels of uric acid, there is crystallization of uric acid in the synovial fluid and synovial lining. White blood cells absorb the uric acid crystals and release specific chemicals which are responsible for inflammation leading to pain, redness and tenderness of joint tissues. Hence, a person with higher levels of uric acid is more susceptible to this disease.
The major risk factors for gout include higher levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia), obesity, high alcohol intake, high intake of food containing purines, exposure to lead in the environment, some drugs used for the treatment of high blood pressure and kidney disease. Although exact cause of hyperuricemia is not clear, inherited factors/genes are suspected to play major role. Uric acid is formed by the natural breakdown of DNA and RNA. Because of high levels of uric acid in the blood, there may be formation of uric acid crystals which can accumulate in the joints.
Besides that, the medications like cyclosporine used to suppress the immune system of the body after organ transplant, can increase the risk for developing this disease. In addition to that, medications such as diuretics, aspirin and levodopa may interfere with the ability of body to remove uric acid. Intake of foods containing large amounts of uric acid such as red meats and internal organs like kidneys and liver, anchovies and some shellfish can lead to raised levels of uric acid.
Certain medical conditions like rapid weight loss, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, surgery and conditions like multiple myeloma, psoriasis, tumors or hemolytic anemia are also among the possible causes of gout (gouty arthritis). People with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome may have deficiency of enzyme that controls the uric acid levels.
Sometimes, kidney diseases can cause deposition of uric acid crystals. Due to kidney dysfunction, normal mechanism of passing the uric acid crystals through urine is prohibited. Raised levels of uric acid in the blood can cause formation of uric acid crystals. These crystals get accumulated in joint and surrounding tissues which may result in inflammation, pain and swelling of joints.
