Gout is not limited to the big toe, as it can also be experienced in other leg joints such as the ankle and knees, as well as in the fingers, wrists and elbows.
There are many causes of gout. The primary reason that gout is formed is because of uric acid in the body, in two separate ways - either there is an overproduction of uric acid in the blood, or there is a deficiency in the removal of uric acid in the body, most likely due to an under-performing kidney. Gout is not limited to these two causes, however, as it can also be a result of diet.
Gout is caused by compounds called purines, which are commonly found in foods. Some foods have higher levels of purines than others, and meat (especially seafood) and beans are a couple examples of foods that are high in purine content. Not drinking enough water can be another factor in gout developing; when the body is not properly hydrated, there is a decrease in blood circulation and excess uric acid is not flushed away properly. Overindulgence in alcohol is another habit found to lead to excess uric acid in the body.
