&Gout=Gout is a metabolic disease related to abnormal uric acid metabolism. Overproduction or undersecretion of uric acid leads to deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joint fluid and soft tissues.  Classically, gout is acute and monoarticular, presenting as severe pain, exquisite tenderness to touch, erythema, swelling and disability of a single lower extremity joint. Gout most commonly involves the MTP joint of the great toe (podagra). Other common sites are the ankle, knee and wrist.  Left untreated the disease progresses to chronic gouty arthritis, which tends to be severe and polyarticular. X-rays may show erosive changes with "overhanging edges".