Summary

gout is an inflammatory_arthritis caused by monosodium_urate_crystals from hyperuricemia. Classic attack: sudden, severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the first_MTP_joint (podagra). Attacks are an acute_flare with pain-free intercritical_periods between. Triggers include alcohol, purine_rich_foods, dehydration, and diuretics. Risk factors: male sex, obesity, chronic_kidney_disease, and some medications. Chronic disease can form tophi and cause recurrent flares. Other joints like ankles, knees, and midfoot can be involved. Serum uric_acid may be elevated.