A variety of factors can cause gout and arthritis ranging from genetics to obesity, nutrition, alcohol consumption and an individual's immune system. Although a person's genetics cannot be altered, other factors may be modified such as diet, which plays a large role in the intensity of pain that patients experience. Understanding the causes for these painful joint diseases may be helpful in deciding on an effective treatment plan.
Genetics
Nearly 40 million people suffer from arthritis, according to Cedars-Sinai. Many forms of arthritis can affect the joints, including gouty arthritis, connective tissue diseases and arthritis triggered by faulty immune systems. If a family member has any form of arthritis, there is a chance they may pass it down to younger generations. Most forms of arthritis cause swelling in the joints with pain and stiffness. Additionally there may be calcium or urate crystal deposits in the joints contributing to the pain, as in gout.
Weight
Both gout and arthritis may be caused by obesity due to additional pressure and wear on joints, especially those of the hips, knees and ankles. Research shows that obese people are two to three times more prone to developing excess uric acid in the blood than individuals of normal weight, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
Diet and Uric Acid
Evidence points to high levels of purines in the diet being one of the causes of many gout cases, according to The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Protein digestion results in the formation of purines, which further break down into uric acid in the blood. The kidneys are responsible for the elimination of uric acid; however, when levels are too high in the blood and urine, uric acid is not properly eliminated, forming urate crystals. The crystals are deposited in the joints, especially those of the big toe, causing gouty arthritis.
Immune System Dysfunction
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of inflammatory arthritis, which is caused when an individual's immune system attacks the lining of the membranes that surround the body's joints, according to the MayoClinic.com website. Over time, the cartilage, bones and tendons are destroyed in this inflammatory reaction by the body's own immune system. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown, but a genetic predisposition is suspected.
Alcohol
The University of Maryland Medical Center mentions that alcohol consumption, especially beer, is connected to episodes of painful gouty arthritis. They add that uric acid levels are increased by drinking alcohol because it increases purine levels and prevents the kidneys from properly excreting uric acid.
