![]() ![]() It is common for gout to occur in families, and this can be a factor in why some people are more at risk than others. While diet greatly affects the management of your gout, and contributes to attacks or flares, your individual genetic and biological make-up plays a large role in why you develop the condition in the first place. The risk of developing gout for both men and women increase with age. While less common, it also affects women, usually after the menopause when hormone levels change. It can occur at any age, although it rarely affects children. ![]() Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in adult men. In fact, gout can affect anyone, and risk factors vary. It is popularly depicted as a ‘disease of kings’ with those affected stereotyped as overweight, middle aged men who indulge in a lavish lifestyle of rich food and wine. Gout has been a well-known and documented condition for over 2,000 years. Like these conditions, the correct treatment and lifestyle choices are key to preventing serious long-term effects. Gout is also linked to other medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some heart diseases. Untreated, these attacks can lead to joint and bone destruction, deformities or disabilities, which can greatly affect your quality of life. This means that if you have had one attack, you are likely to have more, increasing in severity over time. Usually, the flare will start in the middle of the night and can last for 6-10 days. The affected area will be red, swollen and extremely painful. Typically, a first gout attack, or flare, will appear in your big toe, although it can also affect your: It is a long term, chronic condition that, if not properly managed, can affect you for your whole life. Gout is a very painful form of arthritis. Getting the most from your medical appointmentsĪbout the course Living Well with Arthritis Helpline Donate Refer a patient Become a member Search Search ![]()
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