According to MedlinePlus, gout causes sudden severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints, usually in the big toe, but can also be a cause of leg pain. MayoClinic.com notes that men are more likely to get gout, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause.
Hyperuricemia
The root cause of gout is hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is a condition in which high levels of uric acid occur in the blood. The body normally produces uric acid after breaking down purines, substances found in certain foods like mushrooms. Uric acid is usually excreted by the kidneys. High levels of uric acid occur either due to excessive production of uric acid, or due to abnormal kidney function. According to Mayo Clinic.com, hyperuricemia causes the accumulation of sharp, needle-like urate crystals in joints, usually in the big toe, which cause pain, inflammation and swelling. Sometimes, in addition to the big toe, Medline Plus reports that the ankles, feet and knees can also be affected, leading to severe leg pain and swelling.
Alcoholism
According to MayoClinic.com, excessive use of alcohol, more than two drinks a day for men and more than one drink for women, increases the risk of gout. Merck.com reports that alcohol increases the production of uric acid and interferes with its elimination by the kidneys. Consuming a high purine diet with alcohol can worsen the condition. Patients are advised to avoid or minimize their alcohol consumption.
Chronic Kidney Disease
According to Merck.com, chronic kidney disease is associated with gout. Kidney stones that are composed of uric acid may block the urinary tract. This obstruction of the urinary tract, results in decreasing the kidney's ability to eliminate uric acid, so uric acid levels increase. Merck.com recommends that patients drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of developing uric acid stones in the urinary tract.
