The most common large areas of gout are the ankles, knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders, but it is the smaller joints that are most often affected by gout, especially the unilateral 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. Gout is a disease caused by high blood uric acid levels that result in the deposition of urate crystals in the joints. Its causes include drug triggers, intake of purine-rich foods, and alcohol consumption. Gout usually presents with severe pain in one or more joints, with the first attack being most common in the unilateral 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. Large joints such as ankles, knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders can also be involved. The onset of gout usually occurs at midnight or early in the morning, with symptoms of redness, swelling, fever, pain, and dysfunction in the affected joints. The attack may be self-limiting, and most often resolves on its own within a period of time. Patients may find urate crystals in the joint fluid. Once diagnosed with gout, patients should go to regular hospitals in a timely manner and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of doctors to avoid delays.