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Last updated Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Incidence
Gout affects more than one million Americans from all walks of life. It can occur at any age, but the first attack often affects men between the ages of 40 and 50.
Gout affects women as well. In fact, the number of postmenopausal women who have gout is increasing. However, it sometimes is difficult to diagnose gout in these women because they also may have osteoarthritis, a disease that causes the breakdown of joint tissue, leading to joint pain and stiffness. Among the affected joints are finger joints, the joint at the base of the thumb, and the joint at the base of the big toe. The confusion occurs because urate (the salt of uric acid) crystals tend to deposit in areas where osteoarthritis already has caused joint damage, such as in the hands and feet.
Lifestyle risk factors
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