Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that affects an estimated 9 million people in the United States, and it’s on the rise — especially in women. But gout is still not well understood, leaving many people in the dark about their risks and options. A survey of 1,000 women conducted by HealthyWomen in June 2023 exposes just how little people know about gout. Overall, respondents who know someone with gout were generally more likely to be informed about Healthy

Medically reviewed by Paula Tanasa, M.D. What is gout? Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in your blood and forms tiny, needle-shaped crystals that can deposit almost anywhere in the body, including in the joints, bones, heart, spine, kidney and eyes. These deposits can form visible lumps in the joints, which are known as tophi. Can women get gout? You may wonder, can women get gout? The answer is simple: Yes. Gout Healthy

Medically reviewed by Paula Tanasa, M.D. If you’ve ever woken in the night with a gout attack, or flare, you know how painful it can be. Gout causes pain in joints, often for the first time in the big toe — and this pain can come and go throughout life. For some, managing these flare-ups can be challenging. Here’s what you need to know about gout — what it is, how it’s managed and how you can take steps to Healthy

As told to Nicole Audrey Spector In 2009, I was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition that causes chronic pain flare-ups and cannot be cured. The pain, hot and horrid, can be crushing. And it knows no boundaries, occurring throughout my body. The following year, I started experiencing a new kind of pain — something even more intense, primarily affecting the joints of my feet. I could hardly walk at times. This new pain, combined with what Healthy

Obesity is a chronic disease that increases risk of other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers. With 4 out of 10 American adults living with obesity, access to and insurance coverage for treatment options are essential. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity, and luckily, there are several FDA-approved medication options available today that work alongside diet and exercise programs, surgery and psychotherapy. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to get access to these Healthy