No, this seems totally dependent on the foods I eat. I've had sensitive thumb joints (like my father) for years now, and the most dramatic improvements have been dropping gluten, then the other food categories like soy and fiber. I had a dramatic peak and rise with potatoes, for instance, which is nightshades territory.

However, I do have a family history where it appears. And, in women, it's more likely to appear in the upper extremities! So that's a good find.

This article on gout misdiagnosis doesn't ring any bells for me, for instance. But apparently that does happen.

https://creakyjoints.org/diagnosis/gout-misdiagnosis/