GoutOverview, Gout Incidence and Prevalence |
Physician-developed and -monitored. Original Date of Publication: 01 Jan 2000
|
|
Original Source: http://www.podiatrychannel.com/gout/index.shtml | |
 |
Overview
Gout is a disease caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. It results from an elevated blood level of uric acid (hyperuricemia), which occurs when the liver produces more uric acid than the body can excrete in the urine, or when a diet high in rich foods (e.g., red meat, cream sauces, red wine) produces more uric acid than the kidneys can filter from the blood.
Over time, uric acid in the blood crystallizes and settles in the joint spaces, causing swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Gout usually affects the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe (hallux) or the ankle joints.
Incidence and Prevalence
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gout affects approximately 2.1 million people in the United States. The disease is more common in men between the ages of 40 and 50, and in women, incidence increases after menopause. The condition is rare in children and young adults.Gout, Overview, Gout Incidence and Prevalence reprinted with permission from podiatrychannel.com
© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Gout (continued...)
|
|
Browser Comments
|
Gout Resources
 | Join Our Gout Forum
Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others. |
|
|
 | Living with...Share your story
Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections. | ||
|
Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. | |||
 | Stay Updated
Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you. | ||
To quickly access health information from your website's browser,
| |||
