Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Does Gout Affect Your Heel

Where Does A Gout Attack Occur

How to Recognize Gout Symptoms | Foot Care

Gout often attacks the largest joint in your big toe. However, it can also attack the foot, ankle knees, hands, or wrists. Intense pain, redness, and swelling can start with no warning, although you may have warning signs of an impending attack. If you start to feel tingling, burning, or itching in a joint, your body is giving you a warning signal that a flare-up is imminent.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gout

Any joint can be affected by gout, but it usually affects joints towards the ends of the limbs, such as the toes, ankles, knees and fingers.

Signs and symptoms of gout include:

  • severe pain in one or more joints
  • the joint feeling hot and very tender
  • swelling in and around the affected joint
  • red, shiny skin over the affected joint

Symptoms develop rapidly over a few hours and typically last three to 10 days. After this time the pain should pass and the joint should return to normal.

Almost everyone with gout will experience further attacks at some point, usually within a year.

Read more about the complications of gout.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Gout

Gout flares start suddenly and can last days or weeks. These flares are followed by long periods of remissionweeks, months, or yearswithout symptoms before another flare begins. Gout usually occurs in only one joint at a time. It is often found in the big toe. Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee.

Symptoms in the affected joint may include:

  • Pain, usually intense

Recommended Reading: How To Stop A Gout Attack

Why Does The Ball Of My Foot Hurt

Mortons neuroma

Mortons neuroma is a thickening of one of the nerves that runs between your toes. It can result from your toes being frequently squeezed together for too long.

Mortons neuroma can cause a burning sensation or sharp pain in the ball of your foot, and discomfort or numbness in your toes. When you put weight on your foot, it may feel like theres a small object underneath it.

Avoiding tight, high-heeled or pointed shoes is usually the first treatment step. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications and using ice can help bring down swelling. You should also give your feet plenty of rest to reduce pressure.

A podiatrist can officially diagnose whether youre experiencing this condition or something else. So, if youre regularly feeling that burning, shooting pain or numbness in your toes or ball of your foot, make an appointment.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is an inflammation in the ball of your foot that usually develops gradually. This condition can be especially common for those who participate in intense or high-impact sports or activities that require running or jumping.

For many, the pain usually worsens when barefoot or during activity, and eases when theyre at rest. You may feel burning, aching or sharp pain in the bottom of your foot, and this may be paired with sharp pain, tingling or numbness in your toes.

Again, a podiatrist can provide an official diagnosis and recommend treatments tailored to your specific symptoms.

Arthritis In The Heel And Ankle

Gout

Several types of arthritis, including OA, RA, AS, and PsA, can affect the heels and the ankles.

Symptoms of arthritis in the heel might include:

  • Stiffness upon awakening in the morning
  • Recurring pain in the heel
  • Swelling of the heel
  • Limited movement
  • Skin changes, including rashes and growths

Inflammation at the heel from RA, AS, or PsA can lead to conditions that cause heel pain. This might include Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or retrocalcaneal bursitis, a condition in which the bursa becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling.

The ankle is not affected by arthritis as often as other joints, but it can be a source of severe pain and instability when it is affected. Additional symptoms of ankle arthritis include swelling and stiffness of the ankle and problems with mobility. Ankle arthritis will eventually affect gaitthe way a person walks.

Read Also: Is Bc Powder Good For Gout

First Off Heel Pain Has Many Causes

Its anextremely common foot problem, probably in women. The pain can occur in theside, under, or just behind the heel. Although its very common, its notalways easy to find the underlying cause of the problem since there are anumber of different potential causes , some areas follows .

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis

Althoughpain in the heel can be attributed by many factors, the most common causesprobably are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Plantarfasciitis, as the name suggests, is inflammation and irritation of the plantarfascia and the base of toes). It causes pain in the heel, which typically will flareup after rest . Obesity and certain exercises that drive a lot of pressure on theheel would make plantar fasciitis more likely.

Howabout Achilles tendonitis? This chronic and degenerative tendonitis affects theAchilles tendon, a strong and large tendon located in the back of the heelbone. It causes inflammation and swelling, making your heel painful withmovement. The affected tendon is usually stiff in the morning. Many times Achillestendonitis is a result of overuse, running too much for example.

Heel bumps and bursitis

Alsocalled pump bumps, heel bumps often affect teenagers since their heel bone isstill fragile . It causes the formation of too much bone,which is quite painful. Teenagers who start to use high heels when their heelbone is not ready enough would be at high risk of this syndrome.

Stress Fractures

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

What else?

What Causes Pain In The Heel Of Your Foot

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis in one of the most common causes of heel pain. What is it? Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects your heel to your toes. This inflammation is usually the result of strain, which can be caused by anything that puts a lot of pressure on the arch of your foot.

The most common plantar fasciitis symptoms are sharp pain near your heels after exercising or standing up for long periods of time, and pain during the first few steps after sleeping or rest. As the foot and calf muscles loosen up, the pain may lessen.

Sturdy shoes with good arch support whether built-in or from inserts are one of the best ways to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Doing stretches to keep the surrounding muscles flexible can help, too.

If pain begins to worsen and increasingly affects daily activities, a podiatrist may recommend a night splint or a cortisone injection. In more serious cases, surgery can be an option after other treatments have stopped working.

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your heel to your calf muscles, and helps make most foot movements possible. Achilles tendinitis is generally an overuse injury, and it can often be linked to an increase in activity frequency or intensity.

Recommended Reading: Is Pastrami Bad For Gout

When Should I See A Healthcare Professional About Foot Or Ankle Pain

Some foot pain can become more than a short-term problem. If you cannot treat the pain yourself or you have a condition that could affect the joints or soft tissue, it may need further investigation.

You should speak to your doctor or a footcare specialist if:

  • your pain does not improve in the first few days
  • your pain is getting worse
  • it is still causing problems after two weeks of self-care
  • you have sores that are not healing
  • your skin has changed colour especially if its turned dark blue or black
  • your foot has changed shape or is really swollen
  • you have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery
  • it is red, warm, or swollen as you may have an infection
  • the problem keeps coming back or lasts longer than three months
  • you have an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
  • you have diabetes
  • you are taking steroids, biologics or other drugs that affect your immune system.

Your doctor may want to refer you to a specialist in foot care, such as a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or an orthotist, for a diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Chronic Foot Pain

Do I Have Gout In My Foot?

There are lots of reasons for foot pain. It can be due to lack of movement, improper footwear, an underlying illness, or an injury. Foot pain can appear at any age and, depending on severity, affect the rest of your body, like your ankles, knees, hips, and back. Some common causes are:

  • Bone spurs
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Stress fractures

This is not an exhaustive list. In fact, this isnt even the half of it. Chronic foot pain can be difficult to diagnose if you dont know where the pain is coming from.

You May Like: Is Orange Good For Gout

Effective Medical Treatment For Gout

The American College of Rheumatology released gout management guidelines in 2012 and updated them in 2020. They recommend drugs classified as urate-lowering therapy for those who have experienced two or more gout attacks in a year as well as for those with joint damage from gout.

Specifically, the organization recommends allopurinol as a first-line treatment for all gout patients, even those with chronic kidney disease. Next in line is febuxostat both are a class of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors.

In addition, the guidelines recommend use of anti-inflammatory medications including NSAIDs, prednisone, or colchicine along with the other medication.

What About General Ankle Or Foot Pain

Diabetic neuropathy

If you have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage. This is known as diabetic neuropathy, and often affects the nerves in the feet and legs first.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in the feet can include decreased sensitivity to temperature and pain. But it can also be signaled by increased sensitivity, including tingling, burning or sharp pain.

Once nerve damage has happened, it cant be reversed. But careful management of blood sugar levels can prevent more from happening. Paying special attention to your feet is important as well, since any numbness resulting from nerve damage may make it harder to tell when your feet are injured or infected. One example of this are foot ulcers, which can be common for those with diabetic neuropathy.

A podiatrist can provide specialty foot and ankle care for diabetic neuropathy. They can also coordinate care with your primary care doctor whos helping manage your diabetes and overall health care.

Sprains or fractures

If youre experiencing pain following a sudden injury, a sprain or fracture of the foot and ankle may be the culprit. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect bones, and a fracture is a break in a bone.

More severe sprains or fractures come with higher levels of pain, swelling and bruising. You may be able to move a sprained foot or ankle more than a broken one.

Recommended Reading: Where Does Gout Attack The Foot

How To Deal With Chronic Foot Pain

Do you think aching feet at the end of every day is normal? People who suffer with chronic foot pain deal with constant discomfort and a lower quality of life because your feet carry you everywhere you need to go. Its important to pay attention to foot pain because ignoring it can lead to serious health issues.

In addition diagnosing your problems and providing proper treatment, the team at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center can help you deal with your pain, whether its caused by plantar fasciitis, gout, or something else. With locations in both Arlington and Dallas, Texas, our experts see you through every step of the diagnosis and treatment process.

What Increases Your Chances For Gout

Causes of Pain in the Ball of the Foot

The following make it more likely that you will develop hyperuricemia, which causes gout:

  • Being male
  • Using certain medications, such as diuretics .
  • Drinking alcohol. The risk of gout is greater as alcohol intake goes up.
  • Eating or drinking food and drinks high in fructose .
  • Having a diet high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. Purine-rich foods include red meat, organ meat, and some kinds of seafood, such as anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna.
  • You May Like: Does Acupuncture Help With Gout

    Who Can Help My Foot Or Ankle Pain

    There are trained healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating problems affecting the foot and lower leg.

    A podiatrist

    Podiatrists are trained foot specialists, they used to be called chiropodists. They can offer you:

    • advice on padding, dressings, specialist insoles, splints and supports
    • advice about footwear and exercise
    • small non-surgical procedures
    • advice on medication

    Different areas have different rules for who can be referred to an NHS podiatrist. Some only refer people if they have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or peripheral arterial disease. Other authorities may have broader terms.

    If you visit a podiatrist privately you will need to pay for your appointments and any treatment. However, they can refer you for some services, such as scans or x-rays, on the NHS.

    You can find a private podiatrist by visiting:

    A physiotherapist

    Physiotherapists are trained to use movement, exercise, manual therapy, and advice to help get your foot and ankle moving again. They will show you exercises to practice at home to support your recovery.

    In some areas you can self-refer to an NHS physiotherapist. Otherwise, your doctor will request an appointment for you.

    You can see a physiotherapist privately, though you would have to pay for your treatment. To find a registered private physiotherapist visit the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

    An orthotist

    What Does It Mean When Your Foot Arch Hurts

    Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of arch pain and one of the most common orthopedic complaints reported. Its caused by inflammation, overuse, or injury to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the front of your foot to your heel.

    Also Check: Difference Between Gout And Arthritis

    What Is Bursitis Of The Heel

    A bursa is a small, slippery sac in your body thats filled with fluid. Bursae act as a cushion and lubricant. They protect bones from rubbing or sliding against tendons, muscles or skin.

    Theres a bursa behind both of your ankles near your heel bone . Its located in the space between your heel bone and your Achilles tendon. Its called the retrocalcaneal bursa.

    Bursitis happens when a bursa becomes irritated and causes pain. Heel bursitis is specific to the bursa in your heel. It causes foot and heel pain.

    Blisters Corns And Calluses

    How does gout affect your foot?-Minnesota Podiatrist Explains www.innovativefootcare.com

    Poorly-fitting shoes that rub on the feet can damage the skin and may cause:

    • blisters small pockets of fluid that form in the upper layers of the skin
    • corns small circles of thick skin
    • hard, rough areas of skin that are often yellowish in colour

    These conditions can all result in pain and discomfort when you walk.

    Most blisters heal naturally in a few days and don’t require medical attention. Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes can help stop them returning.

    Corns and calluses don’t necessarily improve on their own. You may need to see a podiatrist or chiropodist. They can advise you about treatment.

    You May Like: Gout In My Big Toe Joint

    Diagnostic Evaluation Of Gout In Foot

    What goes into a gout diagnosis? These procedures are options:

    • Joint aspiration. Fluid is withdrawn from the joint and inspected for crystals and bacteria.
    • Blood tests. White blood cell count, ESR , triglycerides, and kidney function may be elevated.
    • X-ray. An x-ray of the affected joint is likely to appear normal during an initial acute episode, but in chronic gout, bone erosion and overhanging edges may be seen.

    Gout And Pain In The Heel

    Gout isnot always easy to understand, though its common. It is a complex type ofarthritis. It can attack anyone, but some factors may make this painfularthritis more likely. These include :

  • Lifestylefactors such as poor diet and obesity.
  • Certainmedications may cause an increase in uric acid levels, such as thiazidediuretics and aspirin.
  • Certainmedical conditions, such as chronic metabolic syndrome, diabetes, untreatedhypertension, kidney and heart problems.
  • Afamily history of the same condition. If you have a family member who has hadgout, youre also at high risk to develop one as well.
  • Age,gender, and trauma from surgery might also have an effect to increase the risk.
  • Theamounts of uric acid, derived from purines, increases for several reasons. Butin general, it occurs when the body makes too much uric acid or if there is something wrong with themechanism of the body to get rid of excess uric acid .

    Overtime, excess uric acid can accumulate and build up somewhere in the body,resulting in sharp & needlelike crystals. The urate crystals thataccumulate in the joint and its surrounding structures can cause inflammation,swelling, and pain.

    Theneedlelike crystals are likely to accumulate in the large joint of the big toe,probably due to gravity. Therefore, gout is often found in the big toe. Jointsof knees, ankles, wrists, elbow, and fingers are other commonly affected sites. How about the heel?

    Whats more?

    Read Also: What Should I Avoid If I Have Gout

    What To Do During An Attack

    You should:

    • take any medication you’ve been prescribed as early as possible after you notice an attack this should start to have an effect within two or three days
    • rest and raise the limb
    • avoid knocking or damaging the affected joint
    • keep the joint cool remove surrounding clothing and apply an ice pack, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel
    • ensure you’re well hydrated

    Apply the ice pack to your joint for around 20 minutes. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin and don’t apply it for more than 20 minutes at a time because this could damage the skin.

    If necessary, you can keep reapplying an ice pack to your skin during an attack, but you should wait until your skin has returned to a normal temperature first.

    Injuries That Cause Heel Pain

    Can Gout Affect The Ball Of Your Foot

    Here are some of the specific injuries and ailments that impact the heel:

    • Plantar fasciitis irritation and inflammation of tissue
    • Tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by compressed nerves
    • Rheumatoid arthritis& Gout usually impacts the big toe joint, but can cause heel discomfort as well
    • Bursitis a small growth of soft-tissue or fluid that can mimic a heel spur
    • Haglunds deformity an enlargement of bone on the back of the heel
    • Achilles tendinitis an injury to the Achilles tendon which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone
    • Bone bruises inflammation of the tissues that cover the heel bone
    • Fracture typically a stress fracture
    • Excessive Pronation similar to an overuse injury, this is caused by over working the normal movements and workings of the foots arch
    • Heel spurs buildup of calcium deposits typically found at the bottom of the heel

    Heel Spurs & Causes

    Heel spurs are one of the most common heel deformities. These calcaneal spurs sometimes cause pain, but are often painless. They can develop on their own, but are sometimes brought on by other foot and heel injuries.

    A heel spur is a buildup of calcium deposits on the heel that create a spur like shape up to half an inch in length. These pointed bony spurs are typically located at the bottom of the heel , and the back of the heel .

    Many of the most common causes of heel spurs are similar to other heel pain causes. Here are some of the issues that can lead to a heel spur:

    Recommended Reading: Is Almond Milk Good For Gout

    Popular Articles
    Related news