Causes
The primary cause of gout is an accumulation of a substance known as Urate in the body. [2] Normal levels of Urate in the body do not cause any problems, but when for some reason, this substance accumulates in the body, it can lead to the development of gout.
Urate is a substance that is produced as a result of the breakdown of chemicals known as purines in the body. Purines occur naturally in the body and are also present in some foods we take. Their breakdown results in the production of Urate.
As the body continues to produce Urate, it also has mechanisms of getting rid of the excess Urate produced so as to prevent the accumulation of this substance. Urate is excreted through the kidneys and in the urine.
There are cases where the body is unable to excrete enough Urate. When this happens, the levels will begin to rise and the substance begins to form Urate crystals which occur around joints, under the skin, and even in internal organs. These crystals may build-up for years without causing symptoms until they find their way into the spaces between the bones that form a joint and then begin to rub against joint linings causing pain and inflammation. This is known as a gout attack.
Any mechanism that causes an accumulation of Urate in the body is a cause of gout. There are different events that can lead to the accumulation of Urate in the system. They include;