I was misdiagnosed with gout for 3-4 years.
Many doctors, many blood tests, uric acid levels above average, but not dangerously high. I cut alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits and seafood from my diet, yet the symptoms persisted.
Gout meds made messed with my guts terribly.
Had a chance encounter with a podiatrist at a dinner party. He got me booked in for X-rays, MRI and CTs.
Turns out I have sesamoiditis, which is kinda like a stress fracture or arthritis type thing.
So if your uric acid levels aren't super high, investigate further. Will save you a lot of time and hassles.