Explanation

Uric acid, a normal waste product of nucleic acid metabolism, is ordinary excreted in urine without any problems. However, when blood levels of uric acid rise excessively (due to its excessive production or slow excretion), it may be deposited as needle-shaped urate crystals in the soft tissues of joints. An inflammatory response follows, leading into an agonizingly painful attack of gouty arthritis (gowte) or gout.