Which joint is most commonly affected in gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints, resulting from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. The first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTP), commonly known as the big toe, is the most frequently affected site in gout. This joint is particularly susceptible to the inflammatory process due to its anatomical structure and the likelihood of urate crystal precipitation in cooler, more peripheral areas of the body.

When there is an acute attack of gout, patients often experience severe pain, swelling, and redness at the 1st MTP joint, which may be so intense that even the light touch of bedding can be intolerable. Understanding the common presentation of gout helps clinicians in diagnosing the condition quickly and appropriately.

While other joints like the knee, elbow, and wrist can be affected, they are less commonly the initial sites of gout. The characteristic involvement of the 1st MTP joint is a classic feature that aids in recognizing gout, making it central to the condition's identification and understanding.