Gout stages

**Gout Stages: Comprehensive Guide for Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment**

Gout, a debilitating form of inflammatory arthritis, progresses through several distinct stages. Understanding these stages is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.

**Early Stage:**

* Characterized by sudden, severe pain and swelling in a single joint, primarily the big toe.
* Inflammation typically flares up for a few days and resolves on its own.

**Intermediate Stage:**

* More frequent and longer-lasting gout attacks involving multiple joints.
* Joints may become inflamed and painful for weeks or even months.

**Advanced Stage:**

* Chronic inflammation, swelling, and joint deformity.
* Formation of tophi, painful deposits of uric acid crystals around joints and other tissues.

**Additional Information:**

* Gout occurs due to excessive uric acid levels in the blood.
* Purine intake through foods and beverages is a contributing factor.
* Diagnosis involves physical exam, blood tests, and joint fluid analysis.
* Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, and preventing future attacks through medication and lifestyle modifications.

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