Hyperuricemia happens when the body is unable to eliminate the breakdown products of proteins. Ninety-percent of all gout cases occur in men. A classic gout attack occurs in the early hours of the morning and usually affects a single joint. The most common joint affected is the big toe joint, however it can also affect the instep of the foot, heel, ankle, knee, wrist, finger, elbow, shoulder or hip. A typical acute gout attack causes the affected joint to be red, hot, swollen and painful.
Initial treatment is directed toward the acute attack of gout.
Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication, dietary modification to decrease protein intake, and avoiding alcoholic beverages. In severely painful acute gout attacks, local anesthetics, similar to novocaine, are used to break the pain cycle. If hyperuricemia is left untreated, it will lead to chronic gout. In the chronic stages of gout, uric acid crystals can cause deposits around cartilage, including joints and the ears, called tophi. Eventually, this can lead to gouty arthritis.