The Gout Education Society is a nonprofit organization of health care professionals dedicated to educating the public and health care community about gouty arthritis, and the related health care consequences of hyperuricemia.
With gout incidence on the rise, the need for gout education is more important than ever. The Gout Education Society distributes educational e-newsletters to both patients and medical professionals each month. Sign up here or take a look at our archive of newsletters we’ve sent out in the past below.
Archived Email Newsletters
- April 2024: Breaking Down Gout Myths
- March 2024: Be the Lucky Charm for Those with Gout
- February 2024: Help Fight Against Broken Hearts from Gout
- January 2024: Developing the Doctor Patient Relationship
- December 2023: Make a New Year’s Resolution to Help Those with Gout Stay on a Good Treatment Plan
- November 2023: The Need for Patient Education and Collaborative Treatment
- October 2023: New Resource: Medical Professional Guide – Gout Diagnosis and Treatment
- September 2023: Recommending Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Gout Patients
The pain during a gout attack is often so excruciating that many go to an emergency room for relief.
On a pain scale of one to 10, most gout patients rank their pain as a nine or a 10. Many report that during an attack, the affected joint feels as if it is caught in a mechanical device. Even the thought of a bedsheet touching the joint is enough to make them cringe.
Gout attacks come on quickly and can last for several days. After a first attack, most people will experience another painful flare within a year. More than three in four gout sufferers will have another attack within two years. Subsequent attacks often are more severe and last longer.
Treatment is Necessary
Despite the severity of gout, just 10 percent of sufferers are getting needed, ongoing treatment.
Left untreated, gout can lead to permanent joint damage and other health issues such as kidney stones. Extensive destruction of the joints and large tophi (crystals which form under the skin) can lead to deformities – particularly of the hands and feet – and result in loss of normal use.
While gout is a lifelong condition, it can be managed – or even completely controlled – by sticking with a proper treatment plan that combines the right medication with diet and lifestyle changes. Because gout is associated with other serious health issues, an accurate diagnosis and ongoing management is critical.
CME Courses
The Gout Education Society believes that continuing education for medical professionals and their staff is crucial when it comes to keeping up with the latest in gout treatment, diagnosis and management.
ACR Guidelines
In October 2012, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) published its long anticipated “Guidelines for the Management of Gout.” In September 2015, ACR expanded on the existing guidelines and released new classification criteria about gout.
Gout Education Library
With gout on the rise, it is essential that all patients, especially those touched by gout, are knowledgeable about this serious disease. You can always learn more from your doctor during regular visits. Take a stand on gout!
