There are two mechanisms in which a gouty attack can occur. Naturally our body produces uric acid which is normally excreted by the kidneys. In people with gout, they either suffer from over production of uric acid (approx. 90% of population) or under excretion of uric acid (10% of population). Over production simply means that your body produces more uric acid than it can get rid of, therefore leaving extra uric acid throughout the tissues in your body. Under excretion refers to your kidney’s inability to excrete (or get rid of) the uric acid that your body produces therefore again causing an accumulation of uric acid.
Gout, also known as “podagra” is an inflammatory arthritis most commonly affecting the big toe joint. Gout can also be prevalent in areas of the body such as the ankle, knee, ear, tendons and kidneys.