Gout is one of more than 100 different forms of arthritis. It makes up about 5% of all arthritis cases.

Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood. It passes through the kidneys into the urine, where it is eliminated. If your body makes extra uric acid or if your kidneys don’t get rid of enough of it, levels build up. The uric acid crystals can build up in the joint spaces. They can also collect in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.

Gout usually first affects the joints at the base of the big toe. Gout can also affect the instep, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows.

The disease can progress through several stages. The final stage can cause permanent damage to the affected joints and sometimes to the kidneys. With proper treatment, though most people with gout don't reach this last stage.

An acute attack commonly occurs at night. It can be triggered by stressful events, alcohol or drugs, or another acute illness.

Caffeine doesn’t bring on a gout attack. Drinking too much alcohol can bring on a gout attack—but only if you have a higher than normal level of uric acid. The extra alcohol interferes with your body’s work to remove the uric acid.

Men are more likely to develop gout than women. Men ages 40 to 50 are most commonly affected. Women rarely develop gout before menopause.

The pain and swelling usually come on suddenly, within a day. The attack usually affects only one joint, usually the toe, ankle, or knee. Later attacks may last longer. Or they may involve several joints.

To confirm the diagnosis, your healthcare provider may test the fluid in the inflamed joint (synovial fluid). The fluid is checked for uric acid crystals. But not finding the crystals doesn’t mean that you don’t have gout. Your healthcare provider will use other tests and exams to diagnose gout. He or she will first rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

NSAIDs reduce the inflammation caused by deposits of uric acid crystals. People usually begin to get better within a few hours of treatment. The attack goes away completely within a few days.