The name Gout may not be common. But we can all relate to the name Arthritis.

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone.

It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe.

The surprising fact is that an attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the bedsheet on it may seem intolerable.

Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares.

Our guest is Dr Maame Boatemaa Amissah-Arthur, Rheumatologist and Physician Specialist, the Medical Director, Nuffield Clinic and a Senior Lecturer, Accra College of Medicine