It occurs more frequently in countries that have a high standard of living. The most common sign of gout is a nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness, and sharp pain in your big toe. There may also be the feeling that the skin around the area is stretching or tearing. There seem to be a number of factors that can cause people to develop gout. Some medications can prevent uric acid from leaving the body. Cyclosporine which is a medication used to suppress the body's immune system and prevent rejection after organ transplant, also increases the risk for developing gout. This can cause a build up of uric acid crystals.

Alcohol and certain foods can trigger a gout attack. Events such as strokes, heart attacks or surgery may also cause gout. Gout is strongly associated with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Because of genetic factors, gout tends to run in some families. A variety of treatments can help you manage your gout. Traditionally treatment for acute gout has consisted of colchicine , which can be effective if given early in the attack. Gout often is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (e.g., Anaprox, Naprosyn) and indomethacin (e.g., Indocin), usually for 3--7 days.

To prevent future attacks, your doctor can prescribe a medicine to reduce uric acid buildup in your blood. Changing the way you eat can help you conduct your gout. Eat a healthy mix of foods so you get the nutrients you need. Limit foods like meat, fish, and beer. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Life style changes such as limiting alcohol consumption, and limiting meals with meats and fish rich in purines can also be helpful in controlling gout. Weight loss may be very important this condition. You should also avoid certain animal proteins, such as: seafood; liver; kidney; heart; gizzard; sweetbreads; meat extracts; and gravy.

Herbal remedies for gout have become very popular in recent years. There is very little evidence right now that shows alternative therapies are effective for gout. Blueberries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, which help ease the pain of gout. Other herbal treatments that have shown some success include vitamin C - Taking supplemental amounts of vitamin C helps some people to reduce the uric acid in their blood. Taking 2-3 teaspoons of black cherry juice a day helps some people. Cherries are a popular home remedy for gout.