Gout

In Western medicine, gout is classified as a form of arthritis induced by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints and soft tissues, often manifesting as acute pain in a single joint, commonly the big toe (Zhu, et al., 2011, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases). Termed the "King of Diseases," it is historically associated with diets rich in purine-heavy foods. On the other hand, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) conceptualizes gout as resulting from deficient Qi and the invasion of pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, dampness, and heat, as well as the stagnation and accumulation of phlegm in the joints (Chen & Wang, 2016, Chinese Medicine). TCM also posits that the liver governs ligaments and the kidneys control bones, suggesting deficiencies in these organs may contribute to gout. Both frameworks offer nuanced perspectives substantiated by interdisciplinary research accessible via databases like the National Institutes of Health.