The History, Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Types, Diagnosis, Treatments, and Prevention of Gout, Part 2.

Gout, a common and complex form of inflammatory arthritis, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. The most current estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows an increase from 52.5 million to 54.4 million people in the U.S. have arthritis or one of the rheumatic diseases. There are over 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions. In the U.S., the most common types of arthritis or rheumatic diseases are osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis, in that order according to prevalence. This article focuses on gout. Gout can be effectively treated and managed with a combination of medication (manufactured and/or compounded) and self-management strategies. Part 1 of this 2-part article provided the definition of gout and a brief history of gout. Part 2 continues the discussion of gout and includes examples of compounded formulations used in the treatment of gout.