Risk factors :

· Heredity

· Men over forty

· Alcohol consumption

· Organ meat consumption

· Immune system deficiencies

· Abnormal uric acid levels (build up of uric acid)

· Poor diet or constant dieting

· Obesity

· Repeated jarring of the joint (high impact exercise)

· The intake of diuretics

· Shell fish consumption

Symptoms :

· A sudden onset of burning type pain in the joint

· Swelling of the area

· Warm to the touch

· Stiffness

· Possible joint lock (inability to move the joint)

· Severe pain when area is touched or manipulated