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The causes -

Gout is caused by a whole host of different diseases and conditions and is defined by a buildup of uric acid in the feet.

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Symptoms -

The symptoms include swelling and pain in the feet and joints surrounding the feet. Sudden and intense pain can make your foot feel like it’s on fire.

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The effects -

The buildup of the uric acid crystals in your joints can last for anywhere between three and 10 days. Between attacks, there are no symptoms.

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Without treatment -

If you don’t treat gout, it becomes chronic. Hard lumps, which are named tophi, start to deposit around the joints in the soft tissue and they can permanently damage it.

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Treatment -

What can you do about it? Home remedies that help lower your risk of uric acid prevent attacks. There are plenty of options both in food and through supplements.

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Nutrition -

Tart cherries, magnesium, ginger, diluted apple cider vinegar, celery, nettle tea, dandelion, and milk thistle seeds are but to name a few.

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Medication -

However, it usually needs treatment or it turns into a severe form of arthritis called gouty arthritis. The medication is strong doses of uric acid.

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Anti-inflammatories and painkillers -

Other than that it’s taking anti-inflammatories and painkillers. You’ll also be asked to live a healthier lifestyle by stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and losing weight (if you’re overweight). In severe cases, it may be operated on.

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Disorders causing gout -

Blood and metabolism disorders can cause it and so too can dehydration. Kidney and thyroid problems can also cause it, and it's also associated with aging.

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Triggers -

Some triggers are high purine foods like red meats, organ meats, some seafood, and alcohol. Beer makes your body less efficient at processing the acid.

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Keeping track -

It can be surprisingly hard for people to pinpoint where the attack came from. Keeping a diary might help.

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Those at risk -

If you have medical conditions or take medications that raise your risk of gout, ask your doctor how you can lower your chances of gout attacks.

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It's hereditary -

Gout is hereditary in the sense that some of the conditions that cause it are hereditary. Also, certain genes affect the amount of uric acid the body holds onto and releases.

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Luciano Pavarotti -

Now, let's look at famous figures who have struggled with gout. For instance, the late operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti shared that he had the condition.

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Laurence Olivier -

One of the best actors of all time was diagnosed with gout in 1965 at the age of 58 while filming a movie.

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Jared Leto -

Leto was diagnosed with painful gout after losing 60 (27 kg) pounds he had gained for starring in 'Chapter 27' in 2007.

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Benjamin Franklin -

One of the founding fathers of the United States may have missed some meetings due to gout.

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Kim Jong-un -

Because the Supreme Leader of North Korea wasn't seen in public in a month in 2014, it was presumed and rumored that he had been suffering from a myriad of health conditions, including gout.

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Isaac Newton -

Two years before the English scientist and mathematician died, he began suffering from painful gout.

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Alec Guinness -

The famed English actor suffered with gout in his later years, too.

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Ludwig van Beethoven -

One of the most prolific composers of all time is presumed to have had attacks of rheumatism or gout.

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King Henry VIII -

When he wasn't ordering the beheading of his wives, King Henry VIII was suffering from gout. He was often depicted as overweight, eating meat, and drinking wine, which all increase levels of gout causing uric acid.

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Nostradamus -

The French astrologer who was known for his prophesies suffered from severe gout towards the end of his life, which eventually developed into edema.

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David Wells -

The left-handed former baseball pitcher struggled with it throughout his entire career. He just woke up one day with a terrible pain in his foot.

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Samuel Johnson -

British author and poet Samuel Johnson suffered from gout from age 65, below the ankles.

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Maurice Cheeks -

While he was coaching the Portland Trail Blazers at the age of 46, the former NBA star got gout.

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Harry Kewell -

The retired Australian professional soccer player was just 27 when he became seriously injured with gout at the 2006 World Cup.

Sources: (Nature Life) (Health.com)

See also: Psoriasis and its celebrity sufferers

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Gout celebs -

Gout celebs

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