Gout is a kind of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the joints. The acid causes joint pain. If you eat a lot of foods that are rich in purines, you may get gout. Some of these foods are salmon, sardines, liver and herring. You may get gout if you're overweight, drink alcohol or have high cholesterol.
Men have gout more often than women.
It may be sudden. It usually starts at night, often in the big toe. The joint becomes red, feels hot and hurts. The joint hurts more when you touch it. Other joints may also be affected.