Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.
An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable.

Clinical features

•Intense joint pain.
Gout usually affects the large joint of your big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.

• Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks.

• Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red.

• Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.

Prevention

During symptom-free periods, these dietary guidelines may help protect against future gout attacks:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Limit or avoid alcohol.
• Get your protein from low-fat dairy products.
• Limit your intake of meat, fish and poultry.
• Maintain a desirable body weight.

Medications to treat gout attacks

Drugs used to treat acute attacks and prevent future attacks include:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

2. Colchicine.

3. Corticosteroids.

Medication to prevent further attacks

1. Medications that block uric acid production. Drugs called Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs), including Allopurinol and Febuxostat

2. Medication that improves uric acid removal. These drugs, called Uricosurics, include Probenecid. Uricosuric drugs improve your kidneys’ ability to remove uric acid from your body.