Gout is a misunderstood disease. Although there are plenty of trusted sources to seek out, there are just as many forums that perpetuate myths about gout and give bad advice not founded in science.
The first step to properly managing this disease is education. With that in mind, we debunked the most common gout myths and misconceptions.
Can Cherry Juice Cure Gout? Myth.
Fact: According to a 2019 survey conducted by Wakefield Research and the Gout Education Society, 64% of those with gout believe cherry juice is just as effective or more effective in treating gout than taking medications.
Although cherry juice has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in Vitamin C — which can play a role in lowering uric acid levels — cherry juice alone cannot cure gout. In fact, cherry juice can contribute to or worsen a flare if sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. Urate lowering therapies, like allopurinol, febuxostat and probenecid, are the most effective forms of gout treatment.
Can Gout be Managed by Diet Alone? Myth.
Fact: Diet can play a role on gout management, but most people with gout will need to be placed on long-term uric acid lowering therapy to achieve healthy levels of 6.0 mg/dL. A purine-restrictive diet can reduce uric acid levels by 1.0 mg/dL at most. This is not nearly enough to control flares and reduce risk for long-term damage from gout.
The role diet plays in gout management is often over prioritized in patients: Half of those with gout say that making changes to their diet is the first step they take to manage the disease — even ahead of taking medications to lower their uric acid levels. Read more about gout and diet in our fact sheet, “The Gout Diet: Myth vs. Fact.”
Does Gout Only Appear in the Big Toe? Myth.
Fact: Although gout affects the big toe in 50% of all first flares, the disease affects other joints and even organs. Gout can affect the middle of the foot, ankle, knee, the small joints of the hand, wrist and elbow. Images of gout can be found here.
It’s most common for gout to attack one joint at a time, even if the uric acid crystals have developed in and around multiple joints.
Women Can’t Get Gout. Myth.
Fact: Although men between the ages of 30-50 are at a higher risk for gout, women are more likely to develop gout after menopause, as uric acid levels increase as estrogen levels decrease. Gout also presents differently in women compared to men. Women are more likely to experience gout flares in joints other than the big toe, leading to its misdiagnosis. Read more on our blog about gender and gout.
Is Gout Self-Inflicted? Myth.
Fact: Unfortunately, public opinion does not reflect the facts about gout. Ninety-six percent of survey respondents chose three or more incorrect risk factors for developing gout. Gout is not self-inflicted. In fact, there are many risk factors for gout that may be out of a person’s control, including, but not limited to:
- High levels of uric acid in the blood
- Family history of gout
- Kidney disease
- Ethnicity
- Gender
Believing that gout is self-inflicted only adds to the stigma surrounding this disease. Sixty-six percent of survey respondents believe it’s embarrassing to have gout. It’s not shameful or wrong to be diagnosed with gout. Gout is easily treated and managed with consistent use of proper medication.
Medication Doesn’t Need to be Taken When You’re Not Experiencing Flares. Myth.
Fact: This is a common misconception: 63% of Gout Education Society survey respondents said a person can stop taking daily uric acid lowering medications if they stop getting gout flares.
Urate lowering therapies should be taken consistently, even if you’re not experiencing a flare. If you’re not experiencing a flare, you can, however, pause on anti-inflammatory treatments. Read our “Gout Medications: Do’s and Don’ts” fact sheet for more information.
Gout is a Relatively Uncommon Disease with Minor Consequences. Myth.
Fact: The 12 million Americans with gout — diagnosed and undiagnosed — would beg to differ.
“We see a lot of advertisements on TV about psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis … but gout is much more common,” says Dr. N. L. Edwards, Chairman and CEO of the Gout Education Society and rheumatologist on the Kicking Gout in the Acid podcast.
Gout is also not of minor consequence. Among those who have been diagnosed with gout, 41% say that their quality of life is not as good because of the disease. Additionally, those with gout are at a higher risk of other serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke and chronic kidney disease.
Do High Purine Foods Cause Gout? Myth.
Fact: Gout has outgrown its reputation as the “Disease of Kings,” based on an old belief that only affluent royalty experienced gout due access to high-purine foods like red meat and wine. Contrary to this gout myth, high purine foods don’t cause gout, but they can exacerbate a flare. A well-balanced diet is recommended for those suffering from gout. Choose fruits, vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken and fish, and low-fat dairy products if you suffer from gout. Limit your consumption of the following, and avoid these foods completely if you are experiencing a gout flare:
- Red meat, lamb, pork, organ meats, shellfish, shrimp, lobster and sardines
- Beer, grain alcohol, wine, sweet fruit, juices and soft drinks
- Sugary cereals, store-bought baked goods, ice cream and candy
- Processed foods
Keep track of flare triggers — which include stress and certain medications — with our Crystal Clear scorecard.
Can Wrapping the Affected Joint in Cabbage Soothe Gout Flares? Myth.
Fact: Cabbage belongs in your produce drawer, not on your joints. This traditional European folk remedy, although tasty, is not founded in science. Cabbage is, however, a great source of Vitamin C and a wonderful vegetable that’s part of a balanced diet. Remember: Urate lowering therapies are the most effective way of treating and preventing gout flares.
Visit our resources page to get the facts on gout, and check out our Gout Specialists Network to find a knowledgeable provider near you.
