by Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints. The primary site for gout is the big toe joint, but the ankle is also one of the most common locations. Symptoms of gout in the ankle include sudden ankle pain, swelling, and redness. Treatment for gout in the ankle consists of medications to help reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood and ice packs to help reduce inflammation. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove the crystals from the joint. Read on to find out more about this condition!
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints. Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of a chemical compound called purine, which is found in many foods. The ankle is a common location for gout to occur.
Gout typically affects one joint at a time, most commonly the big toe. Medical personnel are not entirely sure why the big toe is more susceptible to gout. Gout can also affect other joints, such as ankles, knees, wrists, or fingers, when there is excessive uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid is a waste product, typically eliminated through urine. Too much uric acid in the blood can crystallize and leave deposits in tissues around joints, resulting in inflammation and pain. The condition mainly affects adult males but also women who are menopausal.
What causes gout in the ankle?
Several factors can contribute to gout in the ankle. These include:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Certain medications, such as diuretics or low-dose aspirin
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating certain seafood, organ meat and red meat rich in purines
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- A familial history
In essence, many predisposing factors that lead to gout are strongly related to lifestyle. Further, researchers believe that due to the lower temperature of the lesser extremity joints, gout is more likely to develop in the feet, particularly the big toe, but the ankle is also at risk.
What are the symptoms of gout in the ankle?
The main symptom of gout is sudden, severe pain in the affected joint. Individuals suffering from gout often describe a throbbing or burning sensation in the affected area. They may also have stiff ankles in the morning. Other symptoms of gout include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
These symptoms can last for a few days to a week or longer. In some cases, the pain may go away and then come back. Everyone with a history of gout will usually have an attack or flare at some point. It’s challenging to predict when the spell will occur. You are about two times more likely to have a gout attack at night than at any other time.
How is gout in the ankle diagnosed?
Gout in the ankle is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for high levels of uric acid or imaging tests to look for evidence of uric acid crystals in the joint. The ankle joint may be aspirated to examine the fluid. Further, an X-ray, while not diagnostic, can rule out other conditions, helping with ankle pain differential diagnosis.
Is walking good for ankle gout?
Walking with gout in the ankle can be painful and will not get rid of the tophi or crystals in the joint. Nevertheless, walking or exercising, if it’s not too painful, can help eliminate uric acid from the body, which helps reduce pain and swelling. It is also an excellent way to help keep the joint mobile.
However, walking should be done cautiously, as too much activity can trigger a gout attack. Furthermore, take care not to put stress on or injure other joints when taking the pressure off the gouty joint.
How do you treat gout in the ankle?
Ankle gout can be treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Medications are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These include over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or naproxen, and prescription medications, such as prednisone or colchicine.
In some cases, your clinician may consider using corticosteroid injection to reduce the inflammation. Long term, your practitioner may prescribe allopurinol or febuxostat to manage your gout(1).
Lifestyle changes that help include losing weight if you are overweight and avoiding foods that trigger gout attacks. Also, reducing the consumption of alcohol, red meat, seafood, and sugary drinks is helpful. Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet are beneficial too.
Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove the tophi or uric acid crystals from the joint. This is typically done if the tophi are causing pain or preventing the joint from moving correctly, which can cause long-term damage leading to osteoarthritis.
Supportive footwear with a “rocker bottom” can also help to reduce pressure on the ankle joint, especially at heel strike and toe-off. Depending on foot mechanics, orthotics may or may not help with gout in the ankle.
What are the ten foods that trigger gout?
Several foods can trigger gout. These include:
- Alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor
- Foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meat, and seafood
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- Fried food
- Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta
- Foods high in saturated fat, such as full-fat dairy products
- Foods rich in monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Tomatoes – research has shown that even though tomatoes do not have many purines, they can cause gout by increasing uric acid levels.
- Game meat
- Yeast extract
If you have gout, avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms is essential.
What foods help against gout?
Several foods can help against gout. These include:
- Cherries – cherries have been shown to reduce uric acid levels and improve symptoms
- Vitamin C – vitamin C helps the body to excrete uric acid
- Water – staying hydrated is vital as it helps the body to flush out uric acid
- Low-fat dairy products – can help to reduce inflammation
- Complex carbohydrates – such as whole grains, can help to reduce uric acid levels.
Try these foods if you have gout. However, it would be best to talk to your clinician before making any dietary changes.
What is the prognosis of gout in the ankle?
The prognosis of gout in the ankle is generally reasonable. With proper treatment, most people with gout will have little to no pain and can lead a relatively normal life. However, if left untreated, gout can cause severe joint damage and disability.
Summing up
Gout in the ankle is treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Depending on your symptoms, your clinician may prescribe allopurinol or febuxostat to help manage your gout. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms are essential. Your health is your wealth! Please see your care provider if you have or think you are suffering from gout. They will help you come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
FAQs
Which joints are most commonly affected by gout?
The joints most commonly affected by gout are the ankles, knees, and toes. However, gout can occur in any joint in the body.
1. Does soaking in hot water help with gout?
No scientific evidence supports the claim that hot water soaking helps with gout. However, some people find warm water relieves the pain and swelling associated with the condition. If you have an opened wound, it’s not a good idea. Always consult your physicians before trying any medical intervention.
Are there any home remedies for gout?
Several home remedies may relieve the pain and swelling associated with the condition. These home remedies include:
- Applying ice to the affected joint
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Soaking in a warm bath
- Wearing loose-fitting comfortable shoes
2. What is the best way to prevent gout?
The best way to prevent gout is to avoid foods and beverages that trigger the condition. Some common triggers include alcohol, fried foods, and sugary drinks. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a healthy weight and keep your joints healthy by exercising regularly and trying to avoid injuries.
3. Can I massage gout away?
Scientific evidence does not support the claim that massage can help with gout. However, some people find that massage relieves the pain and swelling associated with gout. If you decide to try massage, consult with your doctor first to ensure it is safe for you.
4. Does stress cause gout?
While stress does not cause gout, it can trigger a gout attack. If you are under much pressure, take steps to manage your stress levels and keep your joints healthy by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
5. Can you reverse gout damage?
There is no cure for gout, but it is possible to reverse the deposits caused by the condition(2). However, any damage to the joint’s articular surface is permanent.
6. What kind of doctor do I need to see for gout?
You will likely need to see a rheumatologist, orthopedist or podiatrist for gout treatment. These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the joints and bones. A podiatrist may prescribe an orthotic insole to help manage foot alignment and biomechanics to relieve pressure.
7. Does gout indicate kidney problems?
While gout is not a direct indicator of kidney problems, the condition can indicate an underlying issue with your kidneys. If you have gout, consult your doctor to rule out any potential kidney problems.
8. Can gout be cured?
There is no cure for gout, but it is possible to manage the condition and prevent future attacks.
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