# Gout --- **Gout** is a condition where [[uric acid]] builds up in the blood stream to such a level (over 7mg/dl) that it percipitates (or comes out of [[solution]] as a solid) as crystals. Uric acid is a byproduct of [[complementary base pairing#Purines vs Pyrimidines|purine]] metabolism. These crystals are sharp and painful. They usually accumulate in the joints, particularly the lower, larger joints like the big toe. They can even eat bone away, or seep out of the skin in something calleda "tophi". The signs and symptoms are simular to [[rheumatoid arthritis]] in a lot of ways. - joint inflammation - systemic - chronic with acute exacerbations ![[gout locations.png]] - treatment - medication - [[NSAIDs]] - [[corticosteroids]] - other, gout-specific meds - diet - restrict consuption of foods high in purines - for example, organ meats are high in purines - limit alcohol - maintain good hydration - this helps excrete the uric acid crystals - unfortunatly that can contribute to UTI risk ___