As a chronic inflammatory condition, gout can cause significant and debilitating pain in the affected areas. For most patients with gout, this most commonly occurs in the feet, particularly the big toe; however, it is common to experience the symptoms of gout in other joints around the body, including the ankles.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at ankle pain and gout, from the causes and symptoms to what you can do to get relief.
What causes gout in the ankles?
Just like gout affecting other areas of the body, such as the toes, knees, elbows, and even shoulders, gout in the ankle is caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. These sharp deposits develop when there is an excess of uric acid in the body.
High levels of uric acid can be linked to a number of factors, such as eating a diet rich in purines (high-purine foods include red meats, some fish, and alcohol), having existing medical conditions including poor kidney function and metabolic syndrome, and the use of certain medications.
Gout is a chronic condition that is characterised by periods of flares (where symptoms get worse) and remission (when there are no symptoms). It usually affects one joint at a time - for example, one flare-up may affect the big toe, while the next will affect the ankle. When gout reoccurs multiple times, it can lead to the development of gouty arthritis, a form of arthritis that gets worse over time.
What are the symptoms of gout in the ankles?
While pain is the primary symptom of gout - in this case, in the ankle joints - other symptoms tend to occur during a flare-up. These commonly include red, swollen, and sensitive skin around the affected area, as well as stiffness in the joint. All of these symptoms can lead to a reduced range of motion, with many people finding it difficult to put any weight on the affected ankle.
In some cases, gout flare-ups can also be associated with more general symptoms in the body, such as fever and/or chills.
If you experience any of these symptoms in your ankles or other joints, it is important to consult with a doctor. They will be able to assess the affected area to determine the cause of the problem. They may also order blood tests to check the levels of uric acid in your blood in order to deliver a clear diagnosis. Your doctor will also be able to inform you of some management techniques to reduce the severity of your gout symptoms.
How to Relieve Gout in the Ankles
There is no cure for gout - no matter where it strikes. Treatment of the condition is therefore focused on symptom management. There are a number of approaches that can help to lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. Prevention techniques for gout in the ankle and other areas of the body are based on the reduction of uric acid in the blood.
Changing your diet
Your doctor will likely advise that you change your diet to reduce the intake of purine-rich foods. Unfortunately, purines are one of the most common natural compounds on the planet and can be found in most common foods. However, foods that are particularly rich in purines include red meats, some fish and shellfish, and leafy green vegetables, such as spinach.
Try using regular supplements
It can also be beneficial to take regular supplements to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body. UriciPlex is a natural herbal supplement that has been expertly formulated to promote the expulsion of excess uric acid from the body and provide natural anti-inflammatory effects.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can be a major contributor to gout as this can prevent the body from effectively expelling excess uric acid from the body. As a result, becoming dehydrated is a well-known trigger for gout flare-ups. Dehydration after drinking large amounts of alcohol can also trigger gout.
Conclusions
Gout is a debilitating and painful condition that can leave you immobile during periods of flare-up - particularly when it occurs in the feet, such as in the joints of the big toes or the ankles. Thankfully, with the proper guidance of a medical professional and by taking the appropriate preventative measures, it may be possible to prolong periods of remission and better manage symptoms during flare-ups.
