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What Is the Medical Condition Gout?

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."

  1. 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.

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