Emily Flores
Before gout became just another medical term, it had a bizarre past full of drama and painful prestige. Over the centuries, certain stories vanished from the spotlight, either too strange or too outdated to keep around. Many of them shaped how the disease was feared and misunderstood. Here are 10 forgotten details that will surprise you.
Gout Was Once A Status Symbol
Gout was once considered a royal affliction. Figures like Henry VIII and Charles V suffered from it, reinforcing its link to noble bloodlines. In early modern Europe, only the wealthy consumed the rich foods that triggered the disease. As a result, gout became associated with privilege and intellectual prestige.
The Ancient Greeks Described It First
As early as 400 BCE, Greek physicians began associating gout with diet. Hippocrates named it “the unwalkable disease” after seeing it mostly in men who consumed meat and wine. Because of that, they believed the pain came from a drop of poor body fluid in the joints—a theory that inspired the Latin word gutta, meaning “drop.”
Benjamin Franklin Documented His Own Gout Attacks
Benjamin Franklin documented his struggle against gout in an essay titled “Dialogue Between Gout and Mr. Franklin.” He humorously blamed the condition on his indulgence in rich food and wine. In turn, his writing helped destigmatize gout. The essay also explored the importance of self-control and the consequences of overindulgence.
Medieval Physicians Thought Gout Was A Curse
Back in medieval times, doctors and priests didn’t just treat gout as an illness; they saw it as punishment for living too well. Monks who ate rich food were hit the hardest, which only confirmed their beliefs. That’s why preachers used gout in sermons and warned against gluttony and indulgence.
Japanese Samurai Linked Gout To Imbalance In Energy
Japanese samurai saw gout as a sign of disrupted qi, meaning both the body and spirit were out of balance. They knew foods like sake and shellfish made the condition worse. By using acupuncture and herbal remedies, they aimed to restore harmony and prove how ancient healing connected physical and spiritual health.
Early Treatments Included Leeches And Pigeon Paste
Early gout treatments focused on balancing the body’s humors, a theory that led to widespread use of bloodletting. To ease inflammation, physicians sometimes wrapped pigeon carcasses around swollen feet. Herbal poultices, gold salts, and opium were also prescribed. Despite the effort, most of these methods failed to provide lasting relief.
The Reason Behind The Pain Was Discovered Much Later
In 1797, William Hyde Wollaston identified uric acid crystals in gouty joints using a microscope. The crystals were needle-shaped and explained the source of the pain. This marked a turning point, shifting the view of gout from moral failure to a biochemical issue. After that discovery, it became the basis for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Gout Was Once Confused With Rheumatism And Syphilis
Early doctors usually confused gout with other joint conditions. Some grouped it with rheumatism, while others believed it stemmed from syphilis. That mix-up led to treatments that were ineffective and sometimes harmful. The history highlights how much medical diagnostics have improved and why accurate diagnosis remains essential today.
Proper Treatments Began In The 20th Century
Allopurinol, introduced in the 1960s, revolutionized long-term gout care by lowering uric acid levels. Meanwhile, colchicine, used since ancient times, remains a trusted treatment for flare-ups. Together, these options marked a major advancement in treatment. That progress turned gout into one of the few historic diseases with reliable modern solutions.
Many U.S. Founders Suffered From Gout
Several U.S. Founding Fathers, including Franklin and Hancock, suffered from gout flare-ups. Letters show they quietly managed symptoms while in public service. Back then, gout treatment was discreet to avoid appearing weak. Understanding this history highlights how stigma affected even the most powerful leaders.