A period when there are no symptoms at all, followed by other acute severe attacks. After a number of years, if not treated, the development of persistent swelling, stiffness and mild to moderate pain in one or more joints after numerous acute episodes. Gout was once thought to be a disease of the wealthy because it seemed to be caused by eating rich foods and by drinking too much alcohol although diet and excessive drinking do have something to do with gout, they are not the main cause of the disorder. Gout may occur in people who are teetotal. Gout affects everyone differently.
Some people have one episode and never have any other problems with it.
Others have several episodes along with lasting joint pain and damage. The pain of acute gout may be excruciatingly severe. There is no cure for gout. Luckily, however, treatment is very effective. Indeed gout is probably the most easily treated form of rheumatic disease.