(HealthDay News) -- Gout is characterized by a buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to swollen, painful joints.

The U.S. National Institute on Aging mentions these common risk factors for gout:

  • Being male.
  • Having a family history of gout.
  • Being overweight.
  • Eating a poor diet.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Having too much uric acid in the blood, a condition called hyperuricemia.