Gout attacks commonly occur in the ankle and big toe joints, usually affecting men and postmenopausal women, who may also have associated metabolic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Diet and alcohol have direct impact on this arthritis.
The attacks typically reach a peak of excruciating pain in 6 hours from onset, but usually resolve in 5 days. As the disease worsens, attacks become more frequent, and last longer, to the point on constant inflammation and pain.