This is called an acute attack of gout. Hyperuricaemia and gout can be inherited. It can also occur as a complication of other conditions such as kidney damage, leukaemia. Some drugs can cause hyperuricaemia. The majority of gout sufferers are men over 40 years old.
Women usually have gout after menopause.
It is now known that it can occur in people from all walks of life. An attack often occurs very suddenly with the maximum intensity of pain reached within a few hours. The joint can be extremely painful and is often swollen, warm and red as well. The very rapid development of joint pain is a feature that differentiates it from most other forms of arthritis. The most common joint affected is the first joint of the big toe.