LONGMONT UNITED HOSPITAL
SUMMER 2013
t- GOT IT!
Gou
King Henry VIII famously suffered from gout, lending the condition its
nickname "the disease of kings." You don't have to be royalty, though, to
develop this painful and potentially disabling form of arthritis.
WHO GETS GOUT? More than 8 million
Americans suffer from gout. It was once
believed overindulging in rich foods and fine
wines brought it on. Though diet contributes
to the development of gout, in more than 90
percent of cases the cause is genetic. Men
tend to develop gout at an earlier age than
women. But by age 60, gout affects men
and women equally, and after age 80, it
affects more women than men.
WHAT'S THE CAUSE? Gout occurs
because the body produces too
much uric acid, which builds up
around joints. Symptoms vary,
but the condition is frequently
characterized by attacks of
tenderness and swelling in
the joints. Gout is also
known for causing
Longmont United
Hospital—a Planetree
healing environment.
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The material in this publication should not be considered specific medical advice, as each
individual circumstance is different. Consult your physician before undertaking any form
of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. To submit a
publication idea, email klogan@luhcares.org.
2
pain in the big toe, but the disease also affects
many other joints, including the ankle, heel,
wrist, knee, and finger.
HOW IS GOUT TREATED? A substance
called purine can trigger an attack. Sufferers
should avoid high-purine foods, including
most red meat, poultry, seafood, and beer.
A low-fat eating plan emphasizing whole
grains, fruits, and vegetables can ward off
attacks. Staying hydrated helps, and research
suggests drinking coffee can lower gout risk
in men.
Gout has no known cure, but antiinflammatory medications help reduce the pain
and swelling of gout attacks. Colchicine may
keep gout attacks from recurring, and medicines
that lower uric acid levels can also bring relief.
Are your joints bothering you? Have your
physician take a look. Need a physician? Visit
luhcares.org and click "find a physician" or
call 303.485.3553.
Be Like Bruce
MOST PEOPLE NEGLECT to maintain a current list of their
medications. That can spell trouble. Here are a few hypothetical
cases to illustrate why it's important to know your medication
history, allergies, and current medicines—including supplements
and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies.
STEVE, 48 years old, is a healthy guy despite carrying a few
extra pounds. He takes prescriptions for his blood pressure and
cholesterol. He isn't sure what they're called, but he gives all his
paperwork to his wife, who seems to manage things OK. A weekend
weightlifter, Steve also takes creatine supplements and, of course,
pain relievers for his inevitable after-workout aches. He occasionally
