Gout is a sudden attack of pain that affects the joints of the feet and legs. It is a condition that occurs when deposits of uric acid accumulate in the joints. Gout has earned the distinction of being one of the most commonly recorded medical ailments throughout history. It is often a condition that develops due to an inherited indiscretion in the body’s capability to process uric acid levels. 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 blockage of the kidney filtering tubules with uric acid crystals. The term gout usually refers to a form of painful arthritis, along with this some other complications for gout (gouty arthritis) are renal disorders.

Usually, people suffering from gout can lead normal lives. However, the complications of gout (gouty arthritis) can have a significant effect on the quality of life. Gout if not treated on time, can progressively worsen to a chronic state. It may even lead to kidney stones and permanent changes in the affected joints. The chronic stage can occur when the disease manifests in the early age of twenties. In its worst case, untreated gout can lead to a permanent disability. Gout is also known to develop into an agonizing and disabling chronic ailment. A continual condition of gout can destroy the cartilage and bone, thus resulting in irreversible joint deformities and a loss of motion in those parts. Tophi can develop to the size of handballs thus causing permanent damage to the bone and cartilage in the joints.  If tophi develop in the spine, it can cause serious injuries including compression, although this is very rare. In severe cases, joint damage may even result in complete disability.

One of the worst complications of gout (gouty arthritis) is the formation of kidney stones. Around 10% to 40% of gout patients complain of kidney stones after they develop hyperuricemia.Around 25% of gout patients with chronic hyperuricemia develop kidney diseases, which sometimes result in kidney failure. Many experts believe that chronic hyperuricemia is not likely to be the cause of kidney disease. Gout often comes with an accompaniment of diseases like heart problems, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. A study on this disease reported that disease activity in gout may add to the development of abnormal cholesterol and lipid levels. However, a bit of evidence points to the fact that hyperuricemia may occur as a reaction to the damage caused due to inflammation that occur with heart disease. You must conduct frequent health checkups with your doctor if you want to avoid complications of gout (gouty arthritis).