Gout is mainly due to the fact that there is an abundance of uric acid in the blood which is also termed as hyperuricemia.
Normally, having too much uric acid in the blood does not bring any harm and most of those that have hyperuricemia will never develop gout.
Although the exact cause of having hyperuricemia is not discovered, genetics seem to influence the cause.
When the blood level have a high level of uric acid, crystals may form in the joints.
These uric acid crystals will cause those excruciating pain that is experienced by those who have gout.
The pain are experienced on a regular basis that can last of hours and even for days.
Therefore, gout needs serious attention and should not be treated recklessly.
In some extreme gout cases, the deposited crystals will grow so large that it will burst the skin and excrete a white like substance.
There are also cases whereby the surrounding areas is very sensitive to pressure.
Even the slightest touch can be hell to them.
Gout causes are normally associated to these:

• Conditions like obesity, low caloric diets, heavy alcohol intake or high intake of purine foods.
  
• Regular intake of medicine such as aspirin or niacin, medicines that will cause the water and salt level in the body to drop or medicines that kills the cells at a rapid pace.
  
• Illnesses such as chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, lead poisoning or rapid weight loss.
  
• In rare cases, people who are born with high uric acid level in their blood such as those who have Kelley- Seegmiller syndrome or Lesch-Nyhan symdrome.
  

In the nutshell, the main gout cause is the deposit of uric acid in the blood.
If you are having gout now, please do take it seriously as it should not be taken lightly and can bring a lot of pain if not treated earlier.