Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause sudden severe pain, redness, warmth and swelling. Gout often occurs in one joint, but over time can occur in many joints. It most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Joints affected by gout often become swollen and even lose function.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation