M10: Gout

M10.0: Idiopathic gout

Idiopathic gout, classified under the ICD-10 code M10.0, is a type of gout that arises without a known cause. Gout is a painful and chronic condition that typically affects the joints, most commonly the big toe. This painful disorder develops when uric acid, a waste product in the body, forms crystal-like deposits in the joints. These crystals trigger inflammation and severe pain, often coming on suddenly in the middle of the night. The affected joint may also become red, swollen, and feel hot to the touch. Idiopathic gout is distinctive because it occurs without an identified triggering factor, such as certain medications, a high-purine diet, excess alcohol, or kidney disease, which are known to have a role in standard gout cases. This condition, while it is unpredictable due to its mysterious onset, generally has the same symptom course and joint impact as other forms of gout.