Gout is a very painful form of arthritis that attacks your joints. It affects about 4 percent of adult Americans, normally men more than women. This disease is formed when your body has high levels of uric acid. This uric acid becomes crystallized in the joints, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Gout is a term that most of us associate with medieval ailments or a sickness that only affects the elderly. The obese and those who drink heavily are at risk of developing it. Known as the “Disease of Kings” because many royals in years past have been afflicted with gout. Henry VIII was one of them. Researchers attribute it to the fact that the wealthy had more food at their disposal, thus they were more likely to become obese than those who struggled for food.

Uric acid can accumulate if you drink a lot of alcohol, are overweight and also if you eat a lot of meats and seafood that is high in purines. It settles into your joints and crystallizes, creating the pain of arthritis. Avoiding purines in your diet is key if you have a family history of gout. Taking blood thinners can also contribute to this disease.

One of the first symptoms that a majority of people have is a sharp pain in their big toe. But, you can also get gout in other joints of your body such as the knee, ankle, and elbow. Most episodes last a couple of days, but more severe cases can last a week of more. It imperative that you see your physician while the gout is still present. Your doctor can either take a blood sample from the affected joint to check for urine crystallization or can diagnose you with a urine sample.

There is medicine to help relieve a gout attack. But, unfortunately, it can return. It could be in weeks, months or even years following the initial attack. Being knowledgeable of the disease and taking lifestyle preventative measures can help those afflicted.

Search for a physician at IPALC.org if you think that you have gout.