You wake up in the middle of the night, and your big toe feels as if it's on fire. It's hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight off a sheet on it seems intolerable.
These problems could indicate an acute of Gout or Gouty arthritis - a form of arthritis that characterized by sudden severe attack of pain, redness and tenderness in joints.

Gout is complex disorder that can affect anyone. Men are more likely to get Gout than women but the later become increasingly susceptible to Gout after menopause.

Fortunately, Gout is treatable, and there are ways to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Symptoms:
Attacks of Gout can occur without warning. They may be triggered by an injury, surgery, consumption of large quantities of alcohol or purine-rich food, or illness. Typically, severe pain occurs suddenly in one or more joints, often at night (probably because of the metabolic changes that occur when a person lies down).

The become progressively worse and is often excruciating, particularly when the joint is moved or touched. The joint becomes inflamed - it swells and feels warm, and the skin over the joint may appear red or purplish, tight, and shiny.

Other symptoms of an attack can include fever (which may reach 39 degree F) and a general sick feeling. The first few attacks usually effect only one joint and last for few days. The symptoms gradually disappear, joint function returns, and no symptoms appear until the next attack. However, if the disorder progress, untreated attacks last longer, occur more frequently, and affect several joints.

After repeated attacks, Gout can become severe and chronic and may lead to joint deformity.