What is gout? The condition of gout is the occurrence of uric acid buildup, it is also referred to as metabolic arthritis. As the uric acid builds up in the synovial fluid that cushions the joints, monosodium urate crystals may form which cause the person even more pain when the joint is moved. When a person is experiencing gout symptoms the uric acid will be deposited in the cartilage of joints, tendons and other tissue surrounding the affected area. Additionally, the blood stream has higher levels of uric acid. As the uric acid builds up in the joints and tendons, the area will swell and the person will experience pain.

The crystals that are formed by uric acid can deposit in bursae (tiny fluid-filled sacs) in the joints. As the bursae swell the condition is called bursitis.

As the uric acid in the body increases a person will experience recurring attacks of gout symptoms– mainly joint inflammation. If the gout symptoms are not taken care of, chronic gout can lead to decreased kidney function or kidney stones, and hard lumps of uric acid forming around the joints.

The abnormality of uric acid in the body doesn’t always cause gout symptoms, the levels vary from person to person. Some people may experience kidney problems because of blockage to the kidneys from the uric acid crystals. Some people may not have kidney problems and only experience painful arthritis attacks, and others may experience all the symptoms. The term “gout” refers to the arthritis attacks and usually does not reference the kidney problems.