What's the difference between gout and arthritis in the foot?

Crystals baby: Gout is a specific type of arthritis thought to be caused by crystals of uric acid precipitating out of solution in the joint fluid. Typically attacks the base of the 1st great toe but can attack any joint. Other types of arthritis include osteoarthritis from general wear and tear and rheumatoid from auto immune dysfunction.

Different findings: Gout is a type of arthritis due to increased urate crystals in the tissue and joints. This causes inflammation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, capillary and pain as the body trys to remove the urate crystals. It is one type of arthritis. There can be many other types of arthritis that effect the feet. It depends which type and how the foot is invovled. It can be osteoarthritis or others.

Gout is arthritis: Gout is a type of arthritis in which uric acid crystals deposit in the joints and cause severe inflammation, pain and ultimately joint damage. There are many other types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Your doctor should be able to distinquish which type of arthritis you have and then prescribe the proper treatment. Good luck.

Uric acid: Gout is caused by elevated uric acid. The term "arthritis" usually means degeneration of articular cartiledge. This is the cartiledge that is at the end of a joint. When it wears away or gets damaged this is known as arthritis. Similiarly, spurring of bones is often referred to as arthritis. Gout is an inflammatory condition. "arthritis" is generally not inflammatory unless referring to rheumatoid.

Gout is a form: Of arthritis, a specific arthritic disease. "arthritis" by itself is a broad, general term which can cover a variety of ailments.