Definition
Podagra is an acute and painful inflammatory attack localized to the joints of the foot. This manifestation is part of the initial clinical picture of the urate storage disease, therefore it can be found in cases of chronic hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis.
Although gout can involve many different joints, singularly or in combination, the podagra of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux (gouty monoarthritis) is particularly suggestive of this diagnosis.
The overlying skin of the joint affected by podagra can become tense, warm, shiny and purple red. In the case of gout, in addition to the joint involvement of the big toe, the involvement of the plantar fascia and the insertion of the Achilles tendon can often be observed.
The acute podagra due to the periarticular deposit of basic calcium phosphate can simulate gout; appears as a distinct syndrome in young women (less often in young men) and is treated in the same way as acute gouty arthritis.
Podagra may also occur in cases of rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, fracture and palindromic rheumatism (ie acute inflammatory attacks involving one or more joints).
Possible Causes * of Podagra
- Arthritis
- Gouty Arthritis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Gout
