Final answer:
Gouty arthritis is caused by excessive levels of uric acid leading to crystal formation in the joints. It commonly affects the big toe and can cause significant pain and inflammation. Treatment includes medication and dietary changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inflammation of the joints caused by excessive uric acid levels in the blood and joints is known as gouty arthritis. Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid, or when the kidneys fail to excrete it properly. This can lead to the formation of sodium urate crystals, which gather in the joints, causing severe inflammation and pain. Dietary choices, especially those high in fructose or non-vegetarian diets, can exacerbate the condition, causing an increase in uric acid levels in the blood. The most common symptoms of gout include swelling, stiffness, and aching around the affected joint, commonly the big toe. Treatments focus on alleviating symptoms, through lifestyle changes, medication such as allopurinol, and in some cases, surgery.