To understand the relationship between gout and kidney stones, you need a little background information. Gout is always caused by uric acid crystals. These are dropped off in joints, usually starting with the right big toe.
Kidney stones can be caused by uric acid, but they can also be caused by calcium oxalate and struvite. There is not relationship between the latter two and gout.
That said, the common factor between gout and uric acid kidney stones is the uric acid. If you have gout, you are at risk, and vice versa. The difference is where the "stone" gets dropped off.
In gout, the crystals travel through the blood stream until they become too heavy. They are dropped off, usually into joints. However, in later stages of the disease, gout can affect the nose and create tophi that looks like lumps under the skin.
In the kidney stone, it is uric acid deposited on the walls of the kidney. As more and more is deposited, a stone will form. This stone is not going anywhere unless it's through the urinary tract.
Unlike gout, kidney stones can be very dangerous. If the stone is large enough, it can totally block the duct that leads from the kidney to the bladder. This can result in a life threatening situation.
If you have gout, you need to take precautions. This isn't just because you want to prevent another gout attack, which I'm sure you do. It's also because you are at risk for the stones, and that can be a life altering or threatening condition.
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