Gout is a buildup of uric acid. When too much is in your blood stream it crystalizes and collects in the joints. Predominately the lower ones or in areas with previous fractures. Over 90% of people will get it in their big toes or ankles. The major contributing source is Pureens. They are high in foods like alchohols, especially beers and red wines, as well as shell fish, other seafoods though more in shellfish, organ meats such as tongue, liver, brains, etc. Also Strawberries, and some cheeses. There are more but those are the predominant ones.
The pain primarily comes from the inflammation that occurs when those crystals grate in the joints. It is just like putting sand grains in there. Indomethacin or Indocen (same drug) is given for it's anti-inflammatory effects. It will not prevent gout, it just treats the symptoms (pain from inflammation) to prevent it you need to take a drug called Allopurinol which will facilitate the kidneys abilities to filter out the uric acid, by creating a chemical bond to it. A combination of diet and Allopurinol should effective eliminate flareups. Once you have dropped your uric acid level down you can typically go back to occasional drinks or foods but avoid them as a regular part of your diet. Some people can get away with just a diet change or taking the drug for a while and then being off of it. I have it and had to take the drug for a while, but stopped taking it a few months ago and no flare ups since last summer. I have really started watching my diet though and that has definitely helped.
If you are having a severe flare up and need to go to the ER for it, ask them if they will give you some Toradol. That is another anti-inflammatory given either through an IV or injected into the muscle and that will really help fast. I had it done last summer when I was literally in tears cause of how bad it hurt and within 15 minutes I could walk around and felt comfortable, although not pain free.
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