Gout affects the joints in the feet, legs, and arms. Initial attacks often occur in a single joint in a foot. Over time, flare ups grow in frequency, pain, and joint numbers. Gout is a progressive disease. Without treatment, it can cause joints to become immobile. Deformity may result in extreme cases.
Other affects of untreated gout include the buildup of uric crystals (tophi) in the skin and other organs, including the kidneys. Twenty percent of people with gout also report having kidney stones.