What is the medical definition of gout?

Gout is a complex form of arthritis that causes redness, pain, swelling and tenderness, which occurs most commonly on the bottom joint of the big toe, notes Mayo Clinic. This type of arthritis is most commonly found in men, but women can suffer from it as well.

This form of arthritis is treatable, states WebMD, but the attacks are unpredictable when it comes to trying to determine when they might occur. The length of time an attack lasts can vary from days to weeks. Gout is caused by too much uric acid in a person's blood stream. The condition is not limited only to the large toe of the foot, but can also occur on the entire foot, ankle or knee.