Living with Gout

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men and affects up to one in forty people in Ireland.  It is a very painful form of arthritis.  Gout is a chronic long-term condition that, if not properly managed, can affect you for your whole life.  It is also linked to other medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some heart diseases.  Like these conditions, the correct treatment and lifestyle choices are key to preventing serious long-term effects.  Despite being stereotyped as affecting those who indulge in a lavish lifestyle, anyone can, in fact, get gout.  Your genetic and biological make-up can play a large part in whether you develop the condition.  Arthritis Ireland has produced a range of information and resources about living with gout, including a dedicated booklet and video series.  To find out more, visit: www.arthritisireland.ie/livingwithgout