Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often at the base of the big toe. It's caused when uric acid, a waste product circulating in the bloodstream, accumulates and forms needle-like crystals in a joint. These crystals can cause an intense inflammatory response leading to a gout attack. The likelihood of gout increases if a person eats a lot of foods that are rich in purines, such as certain meats and seafood, drinks excessive alcohol or sugary drinks and is overweight. People who take certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills), may also be at a higher risk. The episodes of gout can come and go over time but if left untreated, it can harm your joints, tendons, and other tissues.
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