Gout is essentially the result of a breakdown in the body's internal chemistry, causing uric acid crystals to collect in the joints, often the "big toe." If these crystals enter the joint space, they cause inflammation, swelling, and severe pain. baaaaaaaaaaaaaah, I hate the doc that examined me. He SUCKED!!!! but I'm not gonna dwell on the subject. but apparently my great grandpa on my dad's side had gout and on my moms side, kidney stones are prevelant and they have to do with it or something...but doc said that he hasn't seen anyone with gout at my age ever...he said ppl usually "get it when they're 30..40..50........60" blood test tomorrow at 6 AM!