Gout is a form of arthritis which causes severe swelling usually in the ankle or the big toe. When we eat foods that contain a chemical called purine, it is broken down by our body to give uric acid. This uric acid is then transported in our blood to our kidneys where it is eliminated in urine. If this uric acid is not eliminated, an excess of it can build up in our body. This excess uric acid usually crystallizes around the joints, resulting in swelling, pain and tenderness.
Hyperuricemia is a term used to describe high levels of uric acid in our blood. However, not everyone with hyperuricemia ends up developing gout.
No comments:
Post a Comment