Introduction

Gout has long been recognized as being among the most common chronic inflammatory joint diseases. It is also well established that men are far more likely than women to develop gout,2 which is characterized by elevated serum uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), with values as high as 6.8 mg/dl. Urate crystals are formed as a result of rising blood uric acid levels, which also increases the risk of kidney stone development. Gout can occasionally be accompanied by tophi, which can eventually cause gouty arthritis.3 Along with a few other symptoms, acute gout can cause intense pain, swelling, and discomfort around the joints. Inter-critical gout refers to the asymptomatic intervals between gout attacks. The word ”podagra,” which describes a condition wherein the first metatarsophalangeal joints are impacted by urate crystals—causing severe pain—is commonly used to describe acute gout. Additionally, clearly apparent indicators of flare-ups accompany severe gout symptoms.3 This includes severe inflammation that causes discomfort and pain that lasts for around 5–10 days. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia, however, persists for years in association with intermittent flare-ups. On the other hand, the crystals can show signs of proliferation coupled with inflammation and excruciating pain, which finally enters a stage when tophi and chronic gout will occur. Tophi can be seen in a variety of body sites, including articular spaces, cutaneous tissues, and bones.4, 5 People with gout may have discomfort that interferes with daily tasks, with mobility impairments that may be temporary or permanent. Quality of life is thereby significantly impacted. Stroke, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and hypertension, among other conditions, are highly associated with gout.7 The incidence and prevalence of gout have been rising at increasingly rapid rates over the past several years.8 Further research is needed to determine the incidence of the condition and how it varies geographically in relation to other risk factors, particularly in emerging nations. Previous research has shown that patients often receive minimal instruction on modifying their lifestyles and adhering to their medication.9, 10 This study examined gout with the goal of assessing the knowledge of gout among patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Recent literature searches revealed no published studies of this nature. According to the research, a sizable portion of patients is unaware of the disease’s fundamentals, including the value of medication adherence and lifestyle changes. A greater understanding of these concerns will facilitate efforts to improve gout-related knowledge and quality of life among patients.