Gout is a condition where tissue around joints and tendons become inflamed. The disease itself causes the areas to expand and discharge a milky white fluid, and usually affect the big toe first. Symptoms of gout include a minor fever, and sudden pain, swelling, redness around the area, and stiffness in the joints. As with any disease, there are risk factors associated with gout.

-Genetics. There have been studies that found genetic defects in the kidneys can be a possible predisposition to the disorder. It has also been estimated that 20 to 25 percent of gout suffers, have someone in the family with the disease.

- Race. Gout is one of the diseases that judges on the basis of race, with a higher prevalence in Pacific Islander, Maori, and African Americans, especially males.

-Alcoholics. Gout sometimes appears in people who drink too much. "Too much" is defined as more than 2 drinks each day for a man, and more than one a day for a woman.

-People who eat large amount of protein rich foods in their daily diet.

- Overweight people are also at rick for gout, especially those who fall under the "obese" label.

-In relation to weight, people who gain at least 30 pounds over their recommended weight, are at risk to develop gout.

-Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or have heart disease are also at risk to develop gout.

-Gout is also known to appear in patients who suffer from leukemia, polycythaemia, renal disorders, and anemia.

-Some medications, like those use for patients suffering from hypertension, also increase the risk of gout.

-Women are most at risk to develop gout after menopause, but it strikes men more frequently and can happen at any time after puberty. The average age for a male to develop gout is 45.

-Bed rest can also cause gout; in most cases the patient is immobile for long periods of time.

Gout occurs when the uric acid levels in the body rise significantly. Most of the risk factors associated with gout, are the result of conditions that increase theses levels, such as obesity or alcohol consumption. There are factors that occur that are out of the suffer's hands, but more are personal choices. By making a few lifestyle changes, it is possible to lower the risk of gout.

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