What are the signs and causes af gout?

Pain,Redness, Heat: Gout is a form of acute inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. The hallmarks of inflammation- pain, redness, swelling, heat that come on abruptly are consistent with a gout attack. See a podiatrist to diagnose this. X-rays may be taken, and labs ordered to make the diagnosis.

Pain, swelling.: Severe pain, swelling and redness of one joint of the foot most commonly the joint at the base of the great toe, called the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the affected joint. Certain foods and/or medications may cause it. It also runs in families and is more common in males.

Look here: Here is good information about gout. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0001459/.