Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis in which small crystals form inside and around the joints. It causes sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling.
It’s estimated that between one and two in every 100 people in the UK are affected by gout.

The condition mainly affects men over 30 and women after the menopause. Overall, gout is more common in men than women.

Gout can be extremely painful and debilitating, but treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms and prevent further attacks.

When to see your GP

See your GP if you suspect you have gout and it hasn’t been previously diagnosed, particularly if the pain keeps getting worse and you also have a high temperature (fever).
Symptoms of Gout
Diagnosing Gout
Treating Gout

It’s important that a diagnosis is confirmed because other conditions that require urgent treatment, such as an infected joint, can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with gout and you have an attack, see your GP if any medication you’ve been prescribed doesn’t start working within a couple of days.

Source: NHS UK
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gout/Pages/Introduction.aspx