Gout –or gouty arthritis- is a painful condition caused by excessive uric acid, which crystallizes and collects in the joints. Symptoms tend to suddenly appear at night and last for about 10 days. If you are awakened by pain in the first toe and the joint is swollen, tender and red, you might have gout. Gout may also appear in other parts of the feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists.

High blood-pressure medication, consumption of excessive alcohol and the following foods have been associated with gout: