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Acute Gouty Arthritis
Alternate Names : Gout - Acute, Gouty Arthritis - Acute
Definition Acute gouty arthritis is an attack of a metabolic disease marked by uric acid deposits in the joints. The disorder causes painful arthritis, especially in the joints of the feet and legs.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Gout is caused by a defect in metabolism that results in an overproduction of uric acid, or a reduced ability of the kidney to eliminate uric acid. The exact cause of the metabolic defect is unknown. The condition may also develop in people with diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anemia, and kidney disease, or it may follow drug therapy that interferes with uric acid excretion.
Gout has 4 stages: asymptomatic (without symptoms), acute, intercritical, and chronic.
In acute gouty arthritis, symptoms develop suddenly and usually involve only one or a few joints. The pain frequently starts during the night and is often described as throbbing, crushing, or excruciating. The joint appears infected with signs of warmth, redness, and tenderness.
The attacks of painful joints may subside in several days, but may recur at irregular intervals. Subsequent attacks usually have a longer duration. Some people may progress to chronic gouty arthritis, while others may have no further attacks.
The risk is greater in men, postmenopausal women, and people who use alcohol.
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• Definition
• Acute Gouty Arthritis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Acute Gouty Arthritis Symptoms & Signs
• Acute Gouty Arthritis Prevention
• Acute Gouty Arthritis Diagnosis & Tests
• Acute Gouty Arthritis Treatment
• Acute Gouty Arthritis Prognosis
• Acute Gouty Arthritis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Arthritis
• Chronic Gouty Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Nephrolithiasis
• Sickle Cell Anemia
Tests & Exams
• Blood Differential
• Joint X-Ray
• Synovial Biopsy
• Synovial Fluid Analysis
• Uric Acid
• Uric Acid - Urine
Other Topics
• Acute
• Asymptomatic
• Chronic
• Joint Pain
• Joint Swelling
• Metabolism
• Obesity
• Pain Medications
• Skin Lumps
Review Date : 8/6/2003
Reviewed By : Megan E. B. Clowse, M.D, M.P.H., Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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