I'm 41 and I've had it twice. The first time was about 5 years ago and then again about 3 years ago. I don't think they know exactly what causes it. They say it can be caused by your diet, but I hadn't eaten any of the things listed to be a cause.
A doctor told me that mine was due to a foot injury each time. The first time I had it, I tripped over one of those parking lot cement blocks. I didn't think anything of it and didn't have any pain until I woke up the next morning. I couldn't even get out of bed. It hurt so bad, just the weight of a sheet lying on top of my foot hurt extremely bad. I was given some anti-inflammatories and the pain subsided within a couple of days. The other time I jumped off the back of a truck. I didn't land awkward or anything. Again, I didn't think anything of it until I woke up the next morning. I had some of the anti-inflammatories left, took some and the pain was gone again in a couple of days. Both times it was my left foot.
I've had a lot of different types of pain in my life, but nothing ever hurt worse than gout. Not even close.
|