Think you can tell the difference between the myths and facts about gout? Test your knowledge. Read the statement below and choose whether you think it is a myth or a fact. Then click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page to find out the answer and get some background information about each fact or myth.

1. 1. If left untreated, gout will always go away on its own.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a myth.

   You answered fact. The correct answer is myth.

   Even though the symptoms of a gout attack may go away within a few days, the primary risk factor (hyperuricemia) may still be present. Over time, attacks may become more frequent, and some people experience joint damage or deformity.

   
2. 2. Gout is a very rare condition.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a myth.

   You answered fact. The correct answer is myth.

   An estimated 5.1 million people in the United States live with gout, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-1994). It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men over the age of 40.

   
3. 3. Gout is one of the most painful medical conditions.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a fact.

   You answered myth. The correct answer is fact.

   Gout is very painful. In fact, it has been compared with the pain of childbirth and bone fractures.

   
4. 4. Gout is related to a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a fact.

   You answered myth. The correct answer is fact.

   The leading risk factor for gout is a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperuricemia.

   
5. 5. Other than during a gout flare, gout is under control.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a myth.

   You answered fact. The correct answer is myth.

   It may be tempting to forget about gout when you're not having a painful attack. But uric acid is always found in your blood (like cholesterol). Its level may be too high even when you are not having an attack. Also, significant joint damage can occur in the period between attacks due to uric acid crystals eroding the joint, not only during an attack.

   
6. 6. The long-term effects of gout can be controlled by reducing the level of uric acid in the bloodstream.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a fact.

   You answered myth. The correct answer is fact.

   The treatment of gout involves managing hyperuricemia. Long-term treatment of hyperuricemia addresses the underlying cause of gout, helps prevent disease progression, and may reverse urate deposition.

   
7. 7. Gout is caused by overindulgence in food and drink.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a myth.

   You answered fact. The correct answer is myth.

   Overeating, drinking alcohol, eating a purine-rich diet, or—for some people—eating a diet high in fructose (a common type of sugar) can contribute to a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. These factors can trigger a gout attack if there is another problem such as the way your body makes or gets rid of extra uric acid, but they aren't the cause of gout. Also, there are many other determining factors for gout that are not associated with diet.

   
8. 8. For those who are overweight, a good way to manage gout is to go on a crash diet.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a myth.

   You answered fact. The correct answer is myth.

   Diets designed for quick or extreme weight loss may actually increase uric acid levels in the blood. Exercise and a healthy, balanced diet may allow you to lose weight gradually. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best plan for you to lose weight.

   
9. 9. Gout can affect many joints—not just the big toe.
   • Myth
   • Fact

   Correct! This statement is a fact.

   You answered myth. The correct answer is fact.

   About 90% of people with gout have reported at least one flare-up in their big toe. But people with gout can also experience symptoms in other joints, including the ankles, hands, elbows, and knees.

   
10. 10. The risk of an attack goes up and down with the level of uric acid in the blood.
    • Myth
    • Fact

    Correct! This statement is a fact.

    You answered myth. The correct answer is fact.

    A high uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is the primary risk factor for gout, and the higher the level of uric acid in your blood, the more likely you are to have a gout attack.