This 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. Joints may become infected as part of a generalized disease, often accompanied by a fever and a feeling of general illness.
Bacterial arthritis is the invasion of joint areas by bacteria, causing swelling and inflammation.
It occurs with tuberculosis and gonorrhea. In children, rheumatic fever causes painful joints that become better, then worse over a period of weeks. This is an allergic reaction to streptococcus bacteria. Hydrocortisone cannot cure arthritis. Its effect is to reduce inflammation and, thereby, relieve pain.