~Gout Overview~
Gout is a condition characterized by an abnormal metabolism of uric acid. People with gout either produce too much uric acid, or more commonly, their bodies have a problem in removing it. There are a number of possible consequences of this buildup of uric acid in the body, including acute and chronic gouty arthritis, kidney stones, and deposits of uric acid (tophi) in the skin and other tissues. Gout may occur alone (primary gout) or may be associated with other medical conditions or medications (secondary gout).
Gouty arthritis is considered in people who have a sudden onset of a hot, red, swollen joint. It is diagnosed by detecting uric acid (monosodium urate) crystals in the joint fluid. These crystals can accumulate over the years in the joint and trigger repeated bouts of inflammation. Repeated "attacks" of gouty arthritis can damage the joint and lead to chronic arthritis. Fortunately, there are effective medications to treat gout.

The first symptom of gouty arthritis is typically the sudden onset of a hot, red, swollen joint. The most common joint involved is at the base of the big toe, but almost any joint can be involved. In some people, the acute pain is so intense that even a bed sheet on the toe causes severe pain. Acute gouty arthritis at the base of the big toe is referred to as podagra.
Even without treatment, the first attacks stop spontaneously after one to two weeks. While the pain and swelling completely go away, gouty arthritis almost always returns in the same joint or in another joint.
With time, attacks of gouty arthritis can occur more frequently and may last longer. While the first attacks usually involve only one or two joints, multiple joints can be involved simultaneously over time.
Kidney stones are more frequent in patients with gout.
Uric acid crystals can form outside joints. Collections of these crystals, known as tophi, can be found in the earlobe, elbow, and Achilles tendon (back of the ankle). Typically, these tophi are not painful but can be a valuable clue for the diagnosis as the crystals that form them can be removed with a small needle for microscopic examination.

P/s: please take note if you were one of the person who already faced some of the simptom above..precaution is better than cure...