gouty arthritis

gouty arthritis An attack of joint inflammation that is due to deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid (synovial fluid) and joint lining (synovial lining). Gouty arthritis attacks can be precipitated by dehydration, injury, fever, heavy eating, heavy drinking of alcohol, and recent surgery. Intense joint inflammation occurs when white blood cells engulf the uric acid crystals, causing pain, heat, and redness of the joint tissues. The term gout is commonly used to refer to these painful arthritis attacks, but gouty arthritis is only one manifestation of gout. See also gout.