My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

WebMD Magazine

Email a Friend

Print Article

WebMD Magazine

November-December 2009

Scarlett Johansson is on a mission to feed hungry kids in America.

Past Issues

Nan's Note

Articles

Gout

Top symptoms include:

Severe joint pain
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness

Usually associated with portly Victorian gentlemen, gout is alive and well in modern times -- and affects post-menopausal women, too. Gout occurs when urate crystals (formed from high levels of uric acid in the blood) concentrate inside a joint. It most often strikes the big toe. But as a type of arthritis (it's even called "gouty arthritis"), gout also affects foot, ankle, hand, and wrist joints. Risk factors include being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, having high blood pressure or kidney disease, and taking certain medications -- all of which increase uric acid levels. Medications can help reduce the pain and swelling, as well as the risk of joint damage, and lifestyle changes can keep attacks to a minimum.

Check your symptoms with WebMD's Symptom Checker.