The most common inflammatory arthritis in men over the age of 40, gout is characterized by sudden and severe episodes of pain, tenderness, redness, stiffness and swelling of joints. Gout is most often felt in the large joint of the big toe, but it can affect other joints such as the instep, ankle, heel, knee, wrist, finger and elbow. Today, more than two million Americans suffer the pain and inconvenience of gout, but the good news is that gout can be managed and controlled with medication and through adjustments to diet and lifestyle.
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