Gout is a type of arthritis that involves sudden, severe attacks of joint pain. The pain and swelling of gout results from the formation of uric acid crystals in a joint.

Causes

It's not always clear why people produce too much uric acid. In some cases, diet definitely plays a role. Certain foods are rich in purines, compounds that the body breaks down into uric acid.

Symptoms

Gout typically announces itself with a sudden severe pain in a joint, usually at the base of the big toe. Shoulder, elbow, knee, hand, foot, ankle, or arm joints can also be affected. The joint may be hot, swollen, and very tender; the skin over the joint may look shiny and red.

Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for gout, but through proper diet, a healthy lifestyle and medications, the symptoms of gout can be relieved.
Avoid or restrict foods high in purine. These foods include: sardines, anchovies, brains, liver, kidneys, tripe, sweetbreads, tongue, fish roe, scallops, peas, beans and an excessive amount of red meat.
Drink 10 to 12 eight-ounce glasses of non-alcoholic fluids daily.
Lose weight

You should seek medical care if you have sudden, severe pain in a joint; especially if you have a fever and the joint is swollen, hot, and red.
To relieve the pain and swelling of an acute attack, the doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, corticosteroid drugs, and/or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).