A new survey of individuals who suffer from the painful joint disease gout provides some insight into what these patients endure.

According to WebMD, the survey, which was developed by the Men’s Health Network and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, interviewed 1,000 sufferers by phone.

It found that two-thirds of individuals with the disease say it’s not taken seriously. In addition, 25 percent of respondents said that people without gout think they are overreacting when complaining of the pain it causes.

When comparing the pain to other things, 23 percent said an attack is like shattered glass piercing their skin, 28 percent compared it to breaking a bone, 34 percent to a severe burn and 37 percent to a stubbed toe.

"The study reveals a startling disconnect between the degree of pain and discomfort patients experience and the reported success of their care or management plan," said Zorba Paster, M.D. of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood.

Treatment often consists of medications and diet modifications to cut down on uric acid levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, alternative and complementary treatments include drinking coffee, taking vitamin C supplements, eating cherries, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises.