A high uric acid buildup in the body is called gout, and when inflammation and pain develop, it is called a gouty arthritis attack. Here's what to look for.

Uric acid is a naturally occurring waste product resulting from the breakdown of purines, crystalline compounds found in certain foods. Under normal conditions, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys and is eliminated in the urine.

Joints are common spots for injury. Although cracking and popping sounds are not an injury unto themselves, they can be a precursor to joint problems. There can be many causes for popping and cracking, such as dehydration, vitamin deficiency or simply air trapped in the joint.

Uric acid is waste produced when the body breaks down substances, such as purine, from foods. MayoClinic.com indicates that uric acid is normally carried in the blood, passed through the kidneys and excreted in urine. Hyperuricemia, or high levels of uric acid, occurs when excess uric acid concentrates in the blood.

Tendons and ligaments are key structures in your body. Tendons connect muscles to bones, while ligaments attach bones to other bones and your joints. These tissues are what enables you to stand up, move at the joints and perform pretty much any physical action with your body.

Whether you're a professional or weekend athlete, you're probably familiar with using heat and ice for acute athletic injuries. This article summarizes the use of heat and cold in sports injuries and what to watch out for.

Gout is called a rheumatic, or inflammatory, disease because its symptoms develop when your blood level of uric acid is high, causing small, needle-like uric acid crystals to form in your joints and cause inflammation.

Ligaments are the connective tissues which hold bones and joints together. If they are over-extended, twisted or otherwise stressed and stretched beyond normal range of motion, a sprain occurs. Since all the body’s weight is supported by the foot and ankle, ankle ligament injuries are the most common.

Itching on the bottom of the feet has a variety of possible causes. Walking barefoot and wearing sweaty shoes make the feet susceptible to some disorders that cause itching. Other causes, such as scabies, may also cause itching on the bottom of the feet.

Swelling of the ankles occurs when excess fluid gets trapped in the tissues of the lower legs. Understanding and treating the underlying cause is an essential first step. In addition, are several ways you can alleviate this ankle swelling at home.

Ligament sprains occur when your finger joints are overstretched. See your doctor if you injure your finger, even if it appears to be a minor injury. Ligaments can tear and may be accompanied by a bone fracture. Treatment for these injuries depends on the extent of damage.

Various ligaments and bones, different types of cartilage, and the iliotibial band are located in and around the knee. A number of problems with these structures can lead to pain on the outside of the knee. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.