Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that is most commonly found in the big toe (although it can affect other joints in the body). If you have redness, swelling and warmth in the big toe, you may have gout. It occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body and uric acid crystals are deposited in the joint. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines which are found in foods that you eat. Normally, the uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and excreted when you urinate. However, uric acid can build up in the blood when the kidneys do not filter enough uric acid or a person eats too many foods high in purines. The excess uric acid forms crystals which then deposits into the joints. You are at higher risk of getting gout if family members have gout, you are male, overweight, drink too much alcohol or take certain medicines such as aspirin or diuretics. Other conditions such as infection can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to see a doctor to be accurately diagnosed and treated. X-rays and blood tests will probably be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of gout. Sometimes a sample of fluid from the joint will be taken to look for crystals associated with gout.  Typical treatments include non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine or corticosteroids (such as prednisone). Your doctor may even suggest eating cherries or drinking cherry juice.