Gout

Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in and around the joints. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. It is more common in men and the likelihood of developing it increases with age. Gout occurs in people whose blood has high levels of uric acid, also called urate. Urate is created every day when our bodies break down purines. Purines are chemicals naturally found in our bodies but also found in certain foods.