Gout: The Painful Arthritis That's on the Rise (and How to Avoid It)

Gout may sound like a relic of a bygone age, often referred to as the “disease of kings.” After all, historical figures like Henry VIII struggled with it, thanks to their indulgent lifestyles filled with rich foods and fine wines. However, this ancient ailment is experiencing a resurgence today. A recent study reveals a significant uptick in both the incidence and prevalence of gout from 1990 to 2019, with the most notable increases occurring in the U.S., Canada, and Australia among both men and women.

Experts attribute this rise to several modern factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and renal diseases. According to Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians, “Gout is a common type of arthritis that can be extremely painful.” Symptoms typically include swelling and excruciating pain in joints such as the feet, ankles, wrists, and elbows. The root cause? A buildup of uric acid in the body.

Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are chemical compounds vital for forming DNA and RNA. Unfortunately, purines are abundant in meat and meat products. When uric acid levels become excessively high, crystals form around the joints, often targeting the big toe or knee but possibly affecting any joint. These crystals cause severe pain, swelling, and warmth. “When something is found where it doesn’t belong, especially in tight spaces, inflammation occurs, making the area painful,” explains Dr. Eric Ascher, a family medicine physician at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital. Even the lightest touch, like a bedsheet lying over the affected joint, can trigger significant discomfort.

Some individuals are more susceptible to developing gout than others. While it can occur in anyone—even rare cases in children—adults aged 40 to 60 are most at risk. Interestingly, men are three to ten times more likely to experience gout than women. However, the last two decades have seen a dramatic increase in cases among women, with more than 3 million affected. Women often experience gout