The Gout and Pseudogout Handbook: The definitive guide - Take control of your gout

Living with gout or pseudogout is no joke.

Joint pain during a flare-up can be excruciating, making it impossible to do anything.

One in 5 people with gout will get kidney stones, another opportunity for incapacitating pain.

In the long term, permanent joint damage can result.The diagnosis is not always straightforward and is often made incorrectly – many other conditions give similar symptoms.

You need to ensure your diagnosis of gout or pseudogout is correct.Many treatment choices are available, each with pros and cons.

Ensuring that treatment is working and not causing harm requires regular monitoring.

Inadequate treatment means needless gout attacks and complications such as kidney stones and joint damage.