Gout is a health problem that can make your joints hurt a lot. When a person has gout, they have too much of something called uric acid in their body. Uric acid can form tiny hard crystals that go in your joints and cause a lot of pain. These crystals usually form in the big toe, but they can also affect other joints. People with gout often have swollen, red, and really sore joints. Doctors can help treat gout with special medicines and by making changes to your diet.