Definition of agency. plural. agencies. 1a : the office or function of an agent (see agent 4)b : the relationship between a principal and that person's agent. 2 : the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power : operation. 3 : a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved : instrumentality communicated through the agency of the ambassador.
1 Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, usually in one joint, that begins suddenly. 2  Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of crystals of uric acid in a joint. 3  Gout can cause symptoms and signs such as. 4  nodules under the skin called tophi, 5  joint redness, 6  swollen joints, 7  joint pain, and.  warmth of the joint.
What is gout? Gout is a common form of arthritis where crystals form in and around joints causing pain, swelling and redness. Gout often affects the big toe, but can also affect other joints including knees, ankles, elbows, thumbs or fingers. Gout affects around 1 in 45 people in the UK, and is more common in men than it is in women. When women develop gout, it is usually after the menopause.