Gout also known as gouty arthritis is a sudden attack of pain in the joints of the feet and legs. It is a condition that occurs when deposits of uric acid accumulate in the joints. Gout has the unique peculiarity of being one of the most commonly recorded medical ailments throughout history. It is often a condition that develops due to an inherited irregularity in the body’s capacity to process uric acid. Uric acid is a product formed by breaking down of purines that are an essential component of many foods we eat. An irregularity in handling uric acid causes gout attacks, kidney stones, and obstruction that occurs in the filtering tubules due to deposits of uric acid crystals. This may eventually lead to kidney failure. However, some patients may only develop increased levels of uric acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. The term “gout” usually is used to indicate the painful attacks of arthritis.

The causes of gout are usually related to one’s life style. Typically, the condition begins as an after effect of raised uric levels in blood. However, several factors may contribute to this raise in the percentage of uric acid in the blood. Certain risk factors may actually act as a trigger in aiding the rise in the levels of uric acid in the blood. A high intake of purine rich foods like offal foods, red meat and shellfish can contribute to disturbing the uric acid levels in the blood. High consumption of alcoholic beverages like beer and wine can increase uric acid levels in the body. Heavy alcohol intake has been noted as a preceding factor to a gout attack.

One of the leading causes of gout is genetic factor since gout may be passed on from one generation to the next. This theory contradicts the belief that gout may be triggered by excessive consumption of alcohol. In any case, limiting the consumption of alcoholic drinks is recommended. Obesity is a leading factor that increases the likelihood of contracting gout. It is imperative that one maintains bodily weight in proportion to one’s frame and build. For this purpose, one must consume a balanced diet and must indulge in moderate exercise. Patients with high blood pressure may lead to an increase in the levels of uric acid which may in turn affect the health of the heart. Medicines like diuretics, aspirin and chemotherapy treatments too may contribute to an increase in the uric acid levels.