What are the causes of Gout ?
Gout is caused by a defect in metabolism that results in an overproduction of uric acid, or a reduced ability of the kidney to eliminate uric acid. The exact cause of the metabolic defect is unknown.
The disorder causes painful arthritis, especially in the joints of the feet and legs. The condition may also develop in people with diabetes mellitus, obesity, sickle cell anemia, and kidney disease, or it may follow drug therapy that interferes with uric acid excretion. Certain drugs, can also cause gout. Certain diseases such as leukemia and hemoglobin disorders lead to excessive production of uric acid in the body.
