Gout is a real pain.
I don't mean that as a joke, it really does hurt like hell.
The symptoms of gout a that you get a swelling and redness also a burning around a major joint, knees, elbows, but more often than not, in the knuckle on your foot around your big toe.
The pain of gout can be such that you will probably not be able to walk or sleep (let alone sleepwalk), as you will not be able to put your foot on the floor, or bear the bedc overs touching your feet.
No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to get comfortable in bed due to the pain.
You can try running your foot under the cold tap or bathing your foot in cold water, this may help but in the long run, you will need an axe or medication to get rid of the pain of gout.
Preferably medication for the long term.
Gout is caused by Uric Acid in the system which creates a crystallisation of the blood around major joints, causing immense pain.
The likelihood is that you will not be able to get you shoes on, you probably will, but it will take some time, and will be just as hard to remove them.
I have never given birth, and am led to believe that it is very painful, but bet your life, gout comes close, although women will beg to differ.
Uric acid is created by certain foods and drinks you may consume.
Guess what?, Alcohol is right up there at the top of the list, mainly Red Wine, but any alcohol can cause the symptoms of gout to occur.
Offal ie: Tripe is also known to accelerate the process.
It is wise once the gout has cleared up, to keep a diary of what you eat, so that when gout attacks, you may have some idea as to what it was that triggered it off.
I personally narrowed it down to mature cheese, and have not suffered from gout for more than twelve months, fingers crossed.