Gout – The Disease of Kings
1st December 2025
Gout - The Disease of Kings.
We have all heard of gout but many of us think it’s an illness that only affects old men who overindulge in red wine and rich foods.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis which causes joints to become hot, red and swollen and very painful.
We all imagine the big toe, red and swollen, like a in cartoon.
But gout does not only affect the big toe joint. It can affect any joint due to a build up in uric acid crystals.
The excess uric acid builds up in the blood and then forms crystals which accumulate around the joint causing pain and inflammation.
Uric acid is a by-product produced in the body when certain proteins called purines are broken down. Purines are found in certain foods and foods which are high in purines can lead to an increased risk of gout.
Foods high in purines include: offal like liver and kidneys, red meats and seafood. Alcohol especially beer and drinks high in fructose like fruit juices can also lead to gout as these contain high quantities of purines.
Men are more often affected than women by about 3:1 but women are often affected after the menopause due to hormonal changes. It is more common in older people and if you have a strong family history you are more at risk.
The symptoms of gout can be managed by using medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, colchicine and steroids.
Gout can be prevented by lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, weight management and staying well hydrated.
Urate lowering medications can also help to prevent gout flare ups in patients who have regular attacks of gout. These include Allopurinol and febuxostat.
A blood test to monitor uric acid levels can be done to help diagnose and monitor treatment in patients with gout.
Unfortunately, cases of gout are on the increase, probably due to more unhealthy lifestyles and increasing obesity.
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Gout-Disease-of-Kings-now-a-21st-Century-Epidemic.aspx
If you want further information or are worried you may have gout, please contact GP Care Now and speak to one of our doctors.