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Health Conditions
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Gout
Introduction
It usually begins at night. Your big toe is so painful, red, and swollen that even touching your legs with a sheet is unbearable. This feeling is probably not the result of an infection, but most likely a form of arthritis called gout.
Gout is one of the oldest known diseases. It was mentioned in the medical literature as early as 2000 years ago. Originally, people believed that eating a diet consisting mostly of meats and rich foods caused gout. Because of this, it was nicknamed "the disease of kings." Today we know that anyone can develop gout and overeating is not the only risk factor.
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Last Updated: April 2007
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.
Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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Introduction
