Definition & Etiology
Definition
- The most common type of inflammatory arthritis
- Characterised by flare-ups with heat, pain, and swelling of distal joints: primarily the first metatarsophalangeal joint, toes, fingers, knees, ankles
- Associated with hyperuricaemia (elevated uric acid)
Prevalence
- Can occur with normal uric acid levels
- 93% with hyperuricaemia do not develop gout
Etiology
- Hyperuricaemia leading to uric acid crystal deposition in joints