Gout: Understanding the Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Gout is a painful inflammation that was first identified by the Egyptians in 2640 BC. Hippocrates in the fifth century BC, referred to it as ''the unwalkable disease."

Definition

• Gout is a complex disorder that is a form of arthritis and is sometimes called gouty arthritis.

Features

• Gout usually attacks the big toe, although it can affect other joints. It causes red, swollen, hot, tender joints that may also be stiff.

Misconceptions

• People who suffer from gout are often thought of as heavy drinkers and/or overindulgent in their lifestyle and food choices.

Famous Ties

• Gout is no respecter of persons and has affected such notable people as King Henry VIII, Benjamin Franklin and Sir Isaac Newton.

Identification

• Gout must be medically diagnosed, as there is also a disease called pseudogout which has similar symptoms. True gout is caused by uric acid build up in the blood, while pseudogout is caused by calcium phosphate.

Treatment

• Gout needs to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. It is not curable, but can be managed with proper medical supervision.