Gout

• Gout: often called gouty arthritis because it leads to inflammation of affected joints. 
• Etiology: a metabolic alteration in the breakdown of certain protein foods. People who have gout develop uric acid crystals into the joints. 
• Metatarsophalangeal: referring to the metatarsus and the phalanges; specifically, the articulations between them. The uric acid crystals have razor sharp edges which irritate the joints, causing an acute inflammatory response. 
• Symptoms: The main joint affected is the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. Redness, swelling, and pain in the joint. It mainly affects males. Uric acid crystals appear as whitish nodules called tophi.
• Tophi: Small, whitish nodules of uric acid. 
• Diagnosis: based on the discovery of uric acid crystals in joints, body fluids, or tissues at once of the same time. Uric acid blood testing will also help. 
• Treatment: antigout meds like probenecid and allopurinol (Zyloprim) and dietary adjustments to decrease how much protein is consumed. Losing weight for people that are obese can help.
• d. Drinking a lot of fluids to not become dehydrated while also avoiding diuretic drinks.