The discomfort subsides gradually over 1 to 2 weeks, leaving the joint apparently normal and pain free. Inflammation and redness. The affected joints or joints will become swollen, tender and red. Causes Gout has been recognized for more than 2,000 years, making it one of humankind's oldest known diseases. It's caused by too much uric acid.
Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of substances called purines.
Smaller amounts are found in all meats, fish and poultry. Uric acid typically is dissolved in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine. When the body produces excess uric acid, it can build up and form sharp, needlelike crystals that deposit in a joint and surrounding tissue, causing pain, inflammation and swelling. Too much uric acid also can result when the body produces a normal amount of the substance, but excretes too little of it in the urine. Your risk of gout increases if you have a high level of uric acid in your blood.