Gout is making a comeback in the United States. This disease causes serious inflammation, swelling, and pain—especially in the feet.
During the medieval and early modern periods, gout was considered a disease of the nobility. Manuscript correspondence of European nobles and royal family members often includes complaints about symptoms related to gout.
More and more Americans are now suffering from gout, which can result from obesity, a high-sugar diet, and heavy alcohol consumption.
NPR reports on gout in the United States.
Brian Sandberg: Historical Perspectives 
Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Most of the time, having too much uric acid is not harmful. Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout. But when uric acid levels in the blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints.