Gout

[sammy1955]

okay i am 53 years old and about ten years ago i started having problems with my left foot.just above the ball of my foot.kinda on the top and a little to the side is very painful to the touch.about the size of a quarter.it comes and goes and last about 3 days to a week.usually starts in the middle of the night.sometimes i can feel a tingling all around the toenail on my big toe,slightly painful.also the top of my foot becomes swollen and red.what i want to know is this gout and what can i do to prevent it and treat it if it does come back.all ideas appreciated.