The History, Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Types, Diagnosis, Treatments, and Prevention of Gout, Part 1

Gout, a common and complex form of inflammatory arthritis, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. It is estimated that 52.5 million people in the U.S. have arthritis or one of the rheumatic diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are over 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions. In the U.S., the most common types of arthritis or rheumatic diseases are osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis, in that order according to prevalence. This article focuses on gout. Although there is no cure for gout, the disease can be effectively treated and managed with a combination of medication (manufactured and/or compounded) and self-management strategies.