LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Gout: Attacks
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Gout is a type of arthritis that involves sudden, severe attacks of joint pain. It is caused by deposits of needle-like crystals in joints and surrounding tissues [Figure 1]. In the past, gout was thought of as a disease of the wealthy because it seemed to result from eating rich food and drinking alcohol. In fact, anyone can develop gout; diet is not necessarily a major factor.
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Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis (joint inflammation). It appears as an acute attack often coming on overnight. Within 12-24 hours there is severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. The skin over the joint may be red and shiny.
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Gout flares or attacks are intermittent – the patients often have years of no symptoms between attacks. Gout can create chronic disability, and in some rare cases, severe hypertension or high blood pressure and even kidney failure.
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Gout typically affects the joint at the base of the big toe. In over half of all initial attacks, this is the first joint affected. Almost any other joint can be affected, but the joints of the lower limbs are more commonly than those of the upper limbs.
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Gout usually attacks the big toe (approximately 75 percent of first attacks); ... it also can affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and spine. In some cases, the condition may appear in the joints of small toes that have become immobile due to impact injury earlier in life, causing poor blood circulation that leads to gout.
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Gout is characterized by sudden, recurrent attacks that often occur without warning. Severe, chronic gout may lead to deformity. The following are the most common symptoms of gout. However each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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