The human body produces as substantial amount of metabolic waste as a result of cellular function. One such waste product is uric acid, a by-product of protein metabolism. Waste products are normally removed from the body through the kidneys and the intestines. Gout is caused either by the overproduction of uric acid or the inability to properly excrete it, leading to a buildup of uric acid in the joints which crystallizes into gout. It usually affects middle-aged men, but postmenopausal women are also prone to gout. Symptoms often occur suddenly and develop within a matter of hours, and include excruciating pain in a single joint, often the big toe, but gout can also show up in the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. The affected joint may become red, swollen, hot, and stiff, perhaps accompanied by fever. In recurring conditions, the person may develop lumps just under the skin in the outer ear, hands, feet, elbows, or knees. One of the most common causes of acute gout is overconsumption of alcohol, red meat, and fats. Excess sugar consumption can also increase the risk of gout.

In Chinese medicine, joint pain is classified as a painful obstruction syndrome, and it is classified into heat, cold, wind, and damp subcategories based on symptoms. Treatment usually focuses first and foremost on relieving pain and then on resolving the underlying cause. Gout is classified most commonly as heat and dampness accumulation. The red, swollen joint, the sharp pain, and the accompanying heat are part of the symptoms.