What is Gouty Arthritis?
What is Gouty Arthritis?
Gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis marked by joint inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and limitation of movement).
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
To better understand Gouty Arthritis, let's take a look into the main problem of individuals suffering from this condition.
The main problem being is with purine metabolism. Purine is a kind of protein which, when metabolized by our body, produces a by-product called Uric Acid.
Under normal conditions, the body has an efficient way of eliminating this waste product. Uric acid is normally excreted through our renal system via urination.
Problem arises when our body fails to excrete this waste product. Consequently, uric acid significantly increases.
Also, there are conditions that promote rapid production of uric acid. These conditions commonly increase cell destruction leading to increased purine breakdown and uric acid production.
So, either the underexcretion or overproduction of uric acid can predispose an individual to hyperuricemia.
Upon reaching a certain level, uric acid hardens to become crystal. These crystals accumulates and deposits into joint spaces leading to pain, redness, swelling and tenderness in the affected area -- the characteristic symptoms of Gouty Arthritis.
