What condition is caused by uric acid accumulation in the tissues?

Gout is a condition characterized by the accumulation of uric acid in the tissues, particularly in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain. This happens when the body produces too much uric acid or when the kidneys do not eliminate enough of it. The excess uric acid can crystallize and deposit in joints, most commonly in the big toe, resulting in acute attacks of pain known as gout flares.

In contrast, while arthritis broadly refers to inflammation of the joints, it is an umbrella term that encompasses various types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — none of which are specifically associated with uric acid. Osteoporosis, on the other hand, involves a decrease in bone density and strength, while rheumatism is a general term for various painful medical conditions affecting joints, muscles, or connective tissues but does not specifically relate to uric acid accumulation. Thus, gout is the condition specifically associated with the buildup of uric acid in the body's tissues.