Gout is the inflammation of a joint due to urate crystals that build up around it. This inflammation results in swelling, pain, tenderness and redness of the joint. Gout usually occurs as attacks that last for a few days or weeks and then subside. These attacks may recur at any time depending on a number of factors. Men are more likely to be affected by gout and the big toe is the most common joint that is affected. However gout can occur in any joint and tends to target the leg and hand joints more frequently.
