ANCIENT
Gout is very old.
Descriptions consistent with podagra go back to ancient Egypt, around 2640 BC.
NAME GAME
“Gout” comes from “drop”.
The name comes from Latin gutta, reflecting the medieval idea that bodily humours could “drop” into a joint.
HIPPOCRATES
The “unwalkable disease”.
Hippocrates used a phrase translated as “the unwalkable disease” for podagra. Anyone who has tried putting a sock on during a flare may consider that fair.
ROYAL REPUTATION
The disease of kings.
Gout became associated with affluent diets and alcohol because historically those luxuries were much more available to wealthy people.
OLD MEDICINE
A very old treatment survives.
Colchicine comes from plants including autumn crocus. Colchicum preparations have a long history in gout treatment, although the plant itself can be poisonous and is not a DIY remedy.
History sources