Gout is a common form of arthritis characterized by the sudden onset of severe joint pain, swelling, and redness, commonly affecting one big toe. Sometimes, it involves both big toes, the feet, ankles, wrists, fingers, elbows, and knees. The condition often runs in the family and occurs mainly in adult males and, sometimes, postmenopausal women. Acute symptoms last a few days (usually less than 2 weeks) or months (chronic type). Typically, the symptoms emerge suddenly, often overnight. The affected joint becomes swollen, red, hot, and extremely painful, worsening when touched.

Gout results from an accumulation of uric acid in the blood and the joints, forming sharp crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a breakdown product of some foods in the body. The uric acid builds up when not adequately eliminated through urine. Gout attack risk increases due to stress, poor diet, alcohol consumption, genetics, and medical conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, obesity and hypertension.

In addition to the symptoms, your doctor may do some physical examinations and tests to confirm gout disease. The uric acid level in the blood test is sometimes normal during the acute attack.

Making some lifestyle adjustments can help prevent and treat gout. These include:

• Rest, ice and elevate the affected joint. 
• Reduce intake of animal proteins and other foods high in purine, including seafood, red meats, and some vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms. 
• Avoid/ low intake of alcohol, sugary drinks, salt and fats.
• Increase water consumption to help eliminate uric acid.
• Start Ibuprofen or Naproxen early while waiting for the prescription drug from your doctor.
• Do not take low-dose aspirin to treat your gout.
• Discuss the option of long-term gout medications with your doctor.
• Adequately manage relevant health conditions that increase gout risk.
• Be aware that certain medications, including diuretics (water pills) and low-dose aspirin, can increase the risk of a gout attack.
• Urgently see a doctor if you have a high and/or persistent fever.

The gout attack usually resolves within two weeks in most people. People with severe and chronic gout may require long-term daily medication prescribed by their doctors. Some long-term gout complications are the formation of hard uric acid nodules under the skin (tophi), joint deformity and kidney stones.

When properly managed, the impacts of gout are well controlled, leading to improved quality of life and preservation of joint health.