Gout is a type of crystal-induced arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints due to hyperuricemia. It typically affects middle-aged men and is precipitated by factors like alcohol use, red meat intake, obesity, trauma, surgery, or medical illness. Clinical features include sudden onset of severe pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in a single joint, usually the big toe. Diagnosis involves arthrocentesis of the affected joint to identify urate crystals under polarized light microscopy and treatment involves NSAIDs, colchicine, or steroids for acute attacks and allopurinol or febuxostat for chronic hyperuricemia.