Do You Have Gout?

Gout is one of the oldest diseases known to man. It occurs when there is too much of a substance called "uric acid" in the blood, Tissues and urine. A person with gout experiences sudden and severe pain and tenderness, as well as redness, heat and swelling in a joint.

• The most common site for gout is the big toe, but it also affects other joints such as the knees, ankles, feet, hands, fingers, wrists and elbows.
• The pain of gout may be so severe that even the weight of a bed sheet on the affected joint is unbearable.
• Nearly 2.1 million Americans have gout, and more than 80% of them are men.
• The onset of gout can occur at any age but it usually appears in men between the ages of 40 and 50.
• Obesity is a clear risk factor for gout.
• To diagnose gout, your doctor will take a blood test to measure uric acid.
• When extremely high levels of uric acid exist, there is a greater risk for developing kidney stones.
• Treatment includes both changes in diet and drug therapy.
• If you have symptoms of gout, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.