Gout gets a toe-hold as incidences on rise - Irish Independent
Gout has suffered from bad press for centuries now and many of us still wrongly believe it is a condition of rich old men.
It used to be known as the the 'disease of kings' and it evoked images of the aristocracy enjoying too much fine dining with a lot of meat and port wine.
However, according to Arthritis Ireland, between 130,000 to 185,000 of us in this country could be suffering from this painful joint condition.
The incidence of gout has risen by one-third in the United States over the past two decades and Arthritis Ireland suggests the rate of increase could be similar here.
The reality is that it affects rich and poor. Risk factors include drinking alcohol (particularly beer) and a diet that is high in purines, chemicals found in certain foods such as red meat and seafood.
Gout is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects men but women are also sufferers. However, men are three to four times more likely to develop it.
Men usually see the signs around the ages of 40 and 60 while in women they appear between 60 and 80.
The reason men are three to four times more likely to develop gout than women is because their uric acid levels rise during puberty.
Symptoms include sudden and severe joint pain which is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body. The most common site for an attack is the joint at the base of the big toe -- hence the tendency of medieval artists to portray the unfortunate rich old men of the time with a bad foot.
Attacks occur most frequently in the joints of the feet and hands because the temperature in these parts of the body is lower.
People who are obese, older age groups and those with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol are more likely to get the condition.
If you are diagnosed with gout you can ease your symptoms with medication and by changing your diet. In addition, reducing your alcohol consumption will also help.
Over time many people see their uric acid levels drop so that they do not experience any more symptoms. However, frequent and recurring attacks may eventually damage joints permanently.
It is important to treat an attack, otherwise future episodes can become more frequent and prolonged.
Originally published in 
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