Gout symptoms?

Well I have been having some pain lately and I am trying to figure out what it is. A lot of my symptoms seem as though it could be gout. I read that a common symptom is big toe pain. My big toe does hurt every once in awhile. I am unsure however, what part of the toe is supposed to hurt. My pain is right at the joint that connects my toe to my foot. It is tender to the touch and hurts if I move my toe to the left. I also have random pain in other joints/bones, such as shoulders and ankles. I cannot account for this pain either. Besides that, I have been known to get swelling in my joints (usually right knee) that appears out of no where. Do you think this is a sign of gout, or could this be something different? Btw, I am a 25 year old female. I am not overweight and I eat a pretty much balanced diet.

[caregiver222]

It certainly sounds like gout. Do a google search and find the foods and drinks you will have to avoid. Beer days are over, you know. There is medication available and it isn't too toxic. You might try some glucosomine and condroiten supplements and keep yourself hydrated. Needless to say, you really need an in-person evaluation by an M.D. Gout isn't fatal, but is does goof up the quality of life considerably. If you do have gout, diet changes and medication will often cause it to disappear.