Used as an umbrella term, gout can be a list of various conditions occurring due to the accumulation of uric acid. Affecting a person’s feet the most, gout can cause swelling up and pain in joints. Attacks that happen suddenly can cause the sensation of burning, especially in the big toe. These attacks can wake a person up in the middle of the night with the thought that his/her toe is on fire. It is believed that the joint affected by gout can be so tender that the weight of a paper might seem insufferable.

Stages of gout
Distinguished by different symptoms and treatment options, the stages of gout are:

• Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
  Hyperuricemia occurs when there is an overabundance of uric acid in the bloodstream. It derives its name from the fact that it shows no other symptoms.

• Acute gout
  Development of uric acid crystals in any joint in the body due to hyperuricemia can lead to severe pain, swelling, and a warm sensation in the affected joint. With the possibility of occurring suddenly, symptoms have a chance of lasting for a period of three to 10 days, along with multiple gout attacks ranging from months to even years.

• Interval gout
  Interval gout can be defined as the period in which a person shows no symptoms. It happens between gout attacks; hence, it gets its name from the fact.

• Chronic tophaceous gout
  Chronic tophaceous gout happens when the gout is untreated for the given period of time. Capable of causing irreversible damage, this stage can lead to the formation of hard nodules called tophi in joints and the surrounding areas. Tophi can also form in other areas like the ear, among many others.

Symptoms of gout
Usually occurring at night, the symptoms of gout are:

• Severe joint pain
• Chronic discomfort
• Inflammation
• Restricted movement

Causes of gout
Being a complex disease, the factors causing gout can range from blood disorders to issues with metabolism and consuming too much alcohol.

Gout can also be caused by overconsumption of heavily salted foods and sweet juices, among many others.

Improper elimination of uric acid can also lead to gout. This happens when a person has dehydration or is starving. Improper elimination of uric acid can also be due to illnesses like kidney or thyroid issues. Another addition to the list can be a set of specific medications such as diuretics and cyclosporine.

Methods of treatment
Treatment of gout, in rare cases not being possible by a regular doctor, can be done by a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor that holds specific prowess in arthritis.

Prescribed plans by the doctor based on the stage and intensity of gout can be:

• Use of colchicines for treating joint pain
• Medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen for decreasing inflammation
• Corticosteroids including prednisone as a treatment for pain
• Use of allopurinol to decrease the production of uric acid
• Use of probenecid to facilitate elimination of uric acid

Adding to the medication, treatment for gout might include:

• Adjustments in diet
• Moderation of alcohol
• Weight reduction
• Quitting smoking