This condition is caused either by overproduction of uric acid or by an impairment of the removal of uric acid by the kidney. Excessive quantities of uric acid build up in the joints, as well as in various soft tissues. This can cause extremely painful attacks of arthritis. Abstaining from alcohol is important to decrease the chance of more acute attacks. The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation.
Arthritis usually causes stiffness, pain, and fatigue.
The severity varies from person to person and from day to day. In some people, only a few joints are affected and the impact may be small. In other people, the entire body may be affected. The three main symptoms of arthritis that last more than two weeks are joint pain, joint stiffness or the inability to move the joint normally, and swelling. Arthritis is usually chronic.