About Gout: From The Inside Out
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Gout affects more than five million Americans. It is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in men over age 40 and commonly occurs in women after menopause.
Gout occurs when uric acid present in the body forms crystals in the joints or soft tissue. These crystals, which are needle-like in shape, can cause an attack or inflammatory response leading to swelling, redness, heat, pain and tenderness in the affected joints.
"As a doctor, I know how painful and debilitating gout can be for patients; and if the condition is not managed, gout can result in joint damage over time," said Dr. Zorba Paster, a primary care physician in Madison, Wis.