Gout

Gout, recurrent acute arthritis of peripheral joints caused by excess uric acid in the blood and tissue fluids. It may be precipitated by minor injury, overindulgence in food or alcohol, surgery, fatigue, emotional stress, infection, or administration of penicillin, insulin, or mercuric diuretics. The symptoms and signs include severe pain in a single joint, swelling of overlying skin, and inflammation. Treatment medicines help to speed elimination of uric acid by the kidneys.

See also: Arthritis.