Arthritis usually beginning in the big toe due to a surplus of uric acid is called which condition?

Arthritis usually beginning in the big toe due to a surplus of uric acid is called which condition?

• A. Rheumatoid arthritis
• B. Osteoarthritis
• C. Gout
• D. Psoriatic arthritis

Answer: (C)

Gout is the form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid forming crystals in joints. The big toe is classically the first joint affected, producing a sudden, intensely painful, red and swollen joint. This pattern—acute monoarthritis starting in the big toe due to uric acid crystals—defines gout. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune and usually involves multiple joints with morning stiffness; osteoarthritis is degenerative and common in weight-bearing joints; psoriatic arthritis occurs with psoriasis and can affect various joints but isn’t driven by uric acid crystals.

Gout is the form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid forming crystals in joints. The big toe is classically the first joint affected, producing a sudden, intensely painful, red and swollen joint. This pattern—acute monoarthritis starting in the big toe due to uric acid crystals—defines gout. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune and usually involves multiple joints with morning stiffness; osteoarthritis is degenerative and common in weight-bearing joints; psoriatic arthritis occurs with psoriasis and can affect various joints but isn’t driven by uric acid crystals.