Gout, an excruciating form of inflammatory arthritis, is on the rise in the UK, currently affecting an estimated 1.6 million people. This figure surpasses the number of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in the country, according to Lucy Donaldson, director of research at Arthritis UK.
Globally, the incidence of gout is predicted to surge by 70% from 2020 to 2050, primarily due to population growth and ageing. While more common among older individuals, reports suggest the age of people developing gout is decreasing, with some experiencing their first attack in their 20s.
The condition results from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to sharp crystals forming in joints, which can trigger severe pain, inflammation, and redness. Consultant rheumatologist Prof Edward Roddy notes that the pain can be so debilitating that some compare its intensity to a heart attack, kidney stone, or childbirth.
Despite its prevalence and severity, persistent misunderstandings and a judgmental attitude towards gout can hinder effective treatment, according to Donaldson. Historically, gout has been viewed as a condition of indulgence, a perception that continues to influence public opinion.
Treatment guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommend urate-lowering therapy for patients with persistent flare-ups. Medications like allopurinol and febuxostat aim to keep blood uric acid levels below a target of 360 micromoles per litre, which can prevent new crystal formation and dissolve existing ones, potentially eliminating the risk of future attacks.