I guess we all have different "triggers". One I found very early on was a rapid onslaught only 20 minutes after eating a meal containing liver and bacon. Whoosh...that one hurt. And I love lver! But a few (3) glasses of a decent Red wine takes 3 days to make itself felt. We (who suffer) all know the "why" of it (uric acid chrystals that get into the joints), but really, anything can trigger it off. My remark about "stress" being a possible offender wasn't an off the cuff remark. Even though I'm long retired from a pretty stressful career, I never had a twinge until I'd been retired for a few years. So is it possibly....even slightly...age related? It surely can't be genetic as I seem to be the unfortunate sole sufferer in the "family".......even though I (honestly) drink less than some of my nearest and dearest. Although I guess that subjective! Getting it in either big toe is horrible (backside and 10 minutes to get to the loo sort of thing). But in a knee is pretty painful it makes driving a nightmare. Especially when the remnants of the brain realises that the next bit of agony is self-inflicted. Like pushing the brake or clutch pedal. Fortunately I really only get a "nasty" attack about 3 times a year, lasting around 3 to 5 days. When it goes away, boy, does one appreciate mobility! Interesting times. BY.