what is gout-
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.