Men’s Health Week: Gout is no joke
Gout has a reputation problem. People call it the “disease of kings” or laugh it off as the price of a big weekend. But for the people living with it, gout is no joke. It causes sudden, severe pain, and it affects far more men than women.
This Men’s Health Week, here’s what the numbers really say.
The numbers don’t lie
- 3 in 4 people living with gout are men. Around 75% of Australians with gout are male, according to self-reported data from the 2022 ABS National Health Survey.
- Men end up in hospital with gout far more often. In 2021–22, gout hospitalisation rates were 3.7 times as high for men as for women (43 per 100,000 men, compared with 12 per 100,000 women).
- The risk grows as men get older. Gout hospitalisation rates rise with age and are highest for people aged 85 and over (210 per 100,000).
Gout is more than a sore toe
A gout attack isn’t just a niggle. It can bring intense joint pain and swelling that makes everyday tasks hard: walking, working, even sleeping.
And the attacks add up. Research has found that frequent gout attacks are linked to people doing less work, or missing work altogether. When gout isn’t managed, it doesn’t just hurt – it can get in the way of your job, your hobbies and your life.
The good news
Gout is one of the most manageable forms of arthritis. With the right treatment and a few changes, attacks can be controlled and often prevented.
But that only happens if you don’t tough it out in silence.
What men can do:
- Don’t ignore it. Sudden joint pain, swelling or redness is worth checking, especially if it keeps coming back.
- See your GP. Gout can be diagnosed and treated. The sooner you start, the better.
- Know the facts. Understanding the myths around gout and how to manage your triggers will help you stay in control.
The bottom line
Having gout isn’t a weakness, and pushing through the pain isn’t a badge of honour. This Men’s Health Week, let’s treat gout for what it is: a common, painful and very manageable condition that too many men suffer through alone.
Want to understand gout – the symptoms, triggers, treatments and the myths?
👉 Visit our gout hub: arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/gout
You can also call the free Arthritis Infoline on 1800 011 041.
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