Goutisn’t just for paunchy Pickwickians who overindulge in Stilton cheese and a tawny port.

Indeed, gout is now the most common pop in of inflammatoryarthritisin men over age 40.

Below, experts replace several other myths with facts.

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Myth: Only wealthy and obese people get gout.

Myth: Women aren’t afflicted by gout.

Truth:Men and women alike can develop the disease, although men are more vulnerable earlier in life.

Large man, Gout Myths and Facts

“Gout is 10 times more common in men than in women, until women reach menopause.

Myth: Gout pain always attacks the big toe.

In women with osteoarthritis, for example, gout pain commonly starts in the small joints of the hands.

2. Myth: Women don’t get gout. Truth: Older women are also vulnerable. “Gout is ten times more common in men than in women, until women reach menopause. The incidence of new cases of gout in men and women tends to equal out after age 60 or so.” That’s because with the loss of estrogen, uric acid rises. Gout’s also more common in people who eat and drink too much, or those who have other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol. Genes also play a part: If your parents had gout, you’re more likely to as well. For 8 Myths about Gout slideshow.

Although the first attacks often involve only one or two joints, over time multiple joints become affected.

If the disease isn’t treated, it can cause permanent damage.

3. Myth: Gout pain always starts in the big toe Truth: It’s true that gout often first attacks the joints of the big toe, but that’s not always the case. In women with osteoarthritis, for example, gout pain commonly starts in the small joints of the hands. Although the first attacks often involves only one or two joints, over time multiple joints become affected. If the disease isn’t treated, it can cause permanent damage. For 8 Myths About Gout slideshow.