Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden severe pain, tenderness, redness, swelling and temperature increase at a joint (it usually affects one joint at a time).
It usually affects the big toe, but may affect other leg joints (knees, ankles) and less frequently the hands, wrist or elbow.
Episodes of gout can recur from time to time at the same joint.
With the passing of time, attacks occur more often, have more intense symptoms and last longer.
There are some people that experience only one episode in their lifetime.
However, approximately 90% of patients that have had one crisis, will have a second episode, although this may occur a few years after the first attack.
The disease affects more than 1 million Americans, who usually are men older than 30 years, obese people who drink alcohol, and people who use diuretics to lower their blood pressure and women after menopause.
Sometimes, even young people may develop the condition if they have taken drugs for a long time, drink alcohol frequently or have a genetic disorder.
What are the symptoms of the disease? Sudden, severe pain in joints that often appears early in the morning, or swelling of the knee.
The skin around the joint is red or purple.
Typically when a patient has severe pain and swelling in the big toe, without having a recent injury, the diagnosis of gout is the first that comes to mind.
What causes it? It is caused by the abnormal deposition of uric crystals in the cartilage of joints.
Uric acid normally remains dissolved in the blood and passes easily from the kidney, thus leaving the body.
But when uric acid is present in large amounts inside the body it will likely induce gout.
The amount of uric acid in the blood depends on:

• The type of food we eat.
  
• How much alcohol we drink.
  
• The ability of kidneys to get rid of uric acid, which is partly dependent on the overall health of the individual.
  
• Heredity
• Our gender (men are more at risk than women).
  

How to treat gout: Diet is the most important way to prevent or control this condition.
During an attack you should avoid meat, cheese, milk, eggs, nuts, beans etc.
Even though beans are a very healthy food, they contain purines that are converted into uric acid and should be avoided during acute episodes of gout.
It is also advisable to avoid all foods that are rich in protein, both animal and vegetable sources.
The most important thing is to minimize the consumption of meat and seafood (seafood increases the risk).
Also, avoid alcohol and try to keep a normal weight.
You may consume fruits, vegetables, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, brown rice, etc.