Rheumatoid Arthritis is actually a systemic disease with a wide variety of symptoms, and can affect the entire body. Some symptoms cause mild discomfort and do not lead to serious joint deformity. In the most serious form, it can cause crippling, painful, badly-damaged joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by periods where symptoms come and go. The symptoms include stiffness, swelling and tenderness.
Women are much more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Gouty Arthritis occurs as a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that usually builds up in the blood stream before it passes into the urine through the kidneys. If the uric acid is high, it forms crystals that are deposited in the joints of the foot. The big toe joint is the most common joint involved. This causes extreme inflammation and pain, and causes damage to the kidneys as well.