Gout is a serious and painful type of arthritis, often found in men around the ages 40-50. For people whose work require physical activity, gout can make it difficult to perform the job. If you experience that your joints are stiff, swollen and hurting, read on to learn, what are the symptoms of gout?

When uric acid accumulates in the joints, you become susceptible to gout.

This occurs when the liver creates too much uric acid, making the body unable to expel it all in the urine, or when the consumption of rich foods (e.g., red wine, red meat, cream sauces) produces an excess of uric acid that the kidneys cannot filter from the blood.

Both of these scenarios, culminate in an elevated blood level of uric acid. Uric acid in the blood will, as time elapses, crystallize and settle in the joints. The result of this uric acid build up is inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain.

Approximately 2.1 million individuals in the U.S. suffer from gout, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. Most often, this affliction affects men age 40 to 50, and menopausal women. Young adults and children are rarely affected by this disease.

The joint of the big toe is generally the point of origin for gout. The ankle, knee and other joints may also be affected.

Patients suffering from gout report intense pain when moving or touching the toe. The condition is so serious, that even the slightest pressure caused by a bed sheet can escalate the pain.

The typical symptoms of gout are swelling, stiffness, pain, inflamation and redness around or in the joints.

Normally, only one joint will be affected at a time, it is uncommon that multiple joints experience symptoms at the same time. If this is the case, you likely, but not certainly, suffer from a different condition.

However, if you suspect you might have gout, consult a doctor immediately. Untreated gout can cause serious damage to joints, and possibly result in a disability.