User talk:Doc James/sandbox/VE

Gout can present in multiple ways, although the most usual is a recurrent attack of acute inflammatory arthritis (a red, tender, hot, swollen joint).[1] The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is affected most often, accounting for half of cases.[2] Other joints, such as the heels, knees, wrists, and fingers, may also be affected.[2] Joint pain usually begins over 2–4 hours and during the night.[2] This is mainly due to lower body temperature.[3] Other symptoms may rarely occur along with the joint pain, including fatigue and a high fever.[2][3]

Long-standing elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) may result in other symptoms, including hard, painless deposits of uric acid crystals known as tophi. Extensive tophi may lead to chronic arthritis due to bone erosion.[4] Elevated levels of uric acid may also lead to crystals precipitating in the kidneys, resulting in stone formation and subsequent urate nephropathy.[5]