Gout is a metabolic disease caused by an excess of uric acid, or by the body’s failure to properly eliminate it. When someone has gout, they experience intense pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints, tendons, or kidneys, notes Dr. María Rosa Palpacelli, internal medicine specialist at ABC Medical Center.
“It’s estimated that 3% of the Mexican population has gout, a chronic rheumatologic disease caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which builds up in the joints when it isn’t properly eliminated, leading to inflammation and intense pain.”
Although gout often affects the foot, it can also occur in other joints, such as the ankle, knee, or elbow. Men tend to be more susceptible to this condition due to naturally higher uric acid levels in the blood, but women can develop gout as well.
This condition is a hereditary metabolic disease, meaning that if one of your parents has it, there’s a chance you could develop it too. There are also cases of secondary gout, caused by certain related underlying conditions.
In some places, there’s a belief that gout used to be “cured” by amputating the big toe, but the reality is that there are medications available that help reduce inflammation and keep uric acid levels in the blood under control.
In addition, a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle can also help manage this condition.
Something important to keep in mind, notes Dr. Palpacelli, is that having elevated uric acid levels doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop gout. These levels can rise due to other temporary conditions or from taking certain medications.
If you notice a joint that’s become red, warm, or painful, see your trusted doctor. This is also recommended if your lab results show elevated uric acid levels, or if you have a condition you’re concerned might be related to this compound.
