gout

Gout is a disease that results from an overload of uric acid in the body. This can lead to formation of tiny crystals of urate that deposit in tissues of the body, especially the joints. Gout is considered a chronic and progressive disease. It can led to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in the tissues in and around the joints and may cause joint destruction, decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
An attack can be brought on by stressful events, alcohol or drugs or another illness.
Approximately 5 million people in he US suffer from gout. Even Benjamin Franklin suffered from painful gouty arthritis. Gout is nine times more common in men then in women and usually attacks males after puberty. Whereas with women it usually occurs after menopause.