The Four Stages Of Gout
Gout is best understood by seeing it as having four phases or stages :
Stage 1: High uric acid
Elevated uric acid without gout or kidney stone, this stage has no symptoms and is generally not treated.
Stage 2: Acute flares
This stage is marked by acute gout attacks causing pain and inflammation in one or more joints.
Stage 3: Intercritical periods
These are periods of time between acute attacks, during which a person feels normal but is at risk for recurrence of acute attacks.
Stage 4: Advanced gout
This is a stage of chronic gouty arthritis, in which there are lumps of uric acid, or tophi , frequent attacks of acute gout, and often a degree of pain even between attacks .
Figure 1: Stages of Gout
Figure 2: Illustration of Toe Joint with Gouty Tophus. normal toe joint Urate crystals, shown in white, at the “bunion joint,” represent a gouty tophus.)
Figure 3: Progression of Gout
S To Care For Yourself During A Gout Attack
There are some steps you can take at home to help ease the pain of gout, encourage kidney function, and lower the levels of uric acid thats triggering and worsening your flare-up:
- Increase your fluids, especially water
- Dont resist the urge to urinate
- Rest, elevate, and ice your painful joints
- Take an anti-inflammatory pain medication like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Use epsom salt soaks
- Take any prescribed medicines that decrease your uric acid levels
- Eat foods and supplements that lower uric acid, such as magnesium, sour cherries, ginger, and celery
- Stay away from alcohol, shellfish, and red meat, which cause your body to make uric acid
The Pathology Of Gout
Gout is primarily a metabolic disorder in which uric acid accumulates in blood and tissues. When tissue levels reach saturation, needle-like crystals form, causing inflammation. This occurs most commonly in the cooler joints, notably the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe.
Many people with hyperuricemia never develop gout, but those with the highest levels are most likely to suffer episodes. Hyperuricemia may also lead to kidney stones.
You May Like: How To Fix Gout Pain
Symptoms Of Gout In The Ankle
Gout symptoms are on a whole other level compared to a sprained ankle, cellulitis , tendonitis, or other ankle issues.
The gout symptoms such as acute swelling/pain and erythema are typically much more severe, says Dr. Seligman. This is much different than chronic weakness or swelling.
Seeking medical attention sooner than later is always recommended to get the pain under control.
Before we dive into the symptoms of ankle gout, know this: you shouldnt use these symptoms to self-diagnosis ankle pain.
Always see a doctor when you have one of the symptoms or a combination of the following symptoms.
Symptoms Of Ankle Gout
Doctors can sometimes misdiagnose gout in the ankles as a variety of other illnesses like a sprained ankle or cellulitis. But there are a few symptoms that Frisco patients can look for that could indicate its actually gout.
Pain While a sprained ankle may be tender, gout is usually extremely painful. Many patients find it difficult to even walk during a gout attack.
Stiffness Many patients report that their ankle joint will become stiff when a gout attack is setting in. It may start with a dull ache that turns into severe stiffness.
Color Joint affected by gout will almost always be very red, often a very bright red.
Swelling Of course, another symptom of gout is intense swelling at the joint.
Texture Another telltale sign of gout is that the skin will be shiny.
Temperature With gout, the ankle joint will be very warm to the touch.
Read Also: Gout Foods To Avoid Cheese
Symptoms Of Gout In Finger
Gout symptoms are similar in finger joints and other body parts. The affected joint may have several symptoms like heat, swelling, intense pain, and discolorations. Check for these symptoms and start the treatment.
Due to the high uric acid level, your tendons and joints will have an accumulation of white and chalky deposits. These deposits are known as tophi, and they look like lumps under your skin. Ultimately, they can cause permanent damages to the joint, and you will have a deformity.
Read Also: Foods High In Uric Acid Causing Gout
Why Does My Ankle Hurt
Figuring out why your ankle is throbbing can be a guessing game.
Was it from rolling your ankle in the backyard yesterday? Or could it be tendonitis from the extra miles you ran this week?
Maybe its from gout, a type of arthritis sometimes known as the disease of kings because only the monarchs of yesteryear could afford the food and drinks that are known to exacerbate its symptoms.
Gout cases have been on the rise in recent years due to the increasing obesity rate, although anyone can get gout. Just as the royaltys diet was to blame for many gout symptoms recorded in history, our modern diets are one reason the disease is on the rise.
Some experts believe this is controversial saying that diet has very little to do with gout today unless it is extreme, like eating liver or shellfish every day.
And while historically gout was associated with the big toe, the condition is becoming more common in other placesjoints like the hands, foot, or ankle.
Diagnosing ankle symptoms isnt always easy. Even some doctors mistake ankle pain for something other than gout.
Patients are often misdiagnosed with sprains, cellulitis, and other disorders when gout is unrecognized due to both severe pain and appearance, explains Victoria Seligman, MD, a rheumatologist with UCHealth Rheumatology Clinic Cherry Creek in Denver.
Heres how to know when your ankle symptoms are due to gout and how to treat them.
Also Check: What Kind Of Diet Is Good For Gout
What Are The Symptoms Of Gout In The Ankle
The main symptom of gout in the ankle is pain and discomfort in the surrounding area. Keep in mind that gout is often unpredictable, regardless of the joint its affecting. You might go weeks or even months without any symptoms, only to wake up with a burning pain in your ankle.
In some cases, gout starts out in one of your big toes before moving on to other areas, such as your ankle. Over time, these flare-ups may last longer than they previously did.
Other symptoms you might feel from gout in your ankle include:
- tenderness
How Do I Prevent Gout
There are medications available to reduce the risk of future gout attacks. These medications are usually taken after the gout attack is over. Medications are used to:
- Reduce uric acid production: A drug called Allupurinol can reduce the amount of acid the body produces. This lowers the chances of a gout attack reoccurring. Patients have experienced rashes or have had a low blood count after taking Allupurinol.
- Remove uric acid more successfully: Probenecid is a medication that helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid more efficiently which in turn lowers the uric acid levels in the blood. This reduces the chance of another gout attack. Rashes, stomach pain and kidney stones have been experienced as side effects.
Lastly, you can change your eating habits. Nutrition hasnt been proven to reduce the risk of gout, however, it makes sense not to eat too many foot items that are high in purines. Reduce your intake of fats, alcohol and foods that are more likely to increase the amount of uric acid in the body. Try to eat less meat, bacon, mussels, sardines and yeast. Cutting back on alcohol, especially beer can also be helpful.
Are you afraid you may be suffering from gout? The podiatrist at NorthPointe Foot & Ankle Care can help. The staff has been serving the Berkley, Southfield, Royal Oak, Oak Park, and Ferndale areas for 30+ years. Schedule an appointment via our website, or by calling 545-0100.
Recommended Reading: Best Foods To Avoid Gout
S To Take During A Gout Flare
A gout attack is one of the most painful experiences you can have. It usually doesnt give you much warning, and comes on suddenly. According to the National Kidney Foundation, gout is on the rise and affects more than 8 million American adults.
In each of our locations in Michigan, our team at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute welcomes patients who are suffering from this extremely agonizing form of arthritis. Our team of knowledgeable podiatrists offer some advice for ways you can manage your gout pain during a flare-up. But first, lets cover some general information about gout.
Arthritis / Acute Gout Attack
Gout is a form of arthritis, hence it causes pain and discomfort in the joints. A typical gout attack is characterized by the sudden onset of severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of a joint. The clinical presentation of acute gouty arthritis is not subtle with very few mimics other than a bacterial infection.
The joint most commonly involved in gout is the first metatarsophalangeal joint , and is called podagra. Any joint may be involved in a gout attack with the most frequent sites being in the feet, ankles, knees, and elbows.
An acute gout attack will generally reach its peak 12-24 hours after onset, and then will slowly begin to resolve even without treatment. Full recovery from a gout attack takes approximately 7-14 days.
An accurate and colorful discription of a gout attack was elegantly written in 1683 by Dr. Thomas Sydenham who was himself a sufferer of gout:
Read Also: Are Strawberries Good For Gout
The First Twinge Of Stiffness Or Dull Ache
Gout ankle starts with a twinge of pain or a dull ache. Then along with the pain, stiffness starts to set in these are the first signs of gout and the alarm to take action. These gout symptoms in the ankle will only quickly get worse if left unattended.
The reason that an attack grows slowly, is because more and more uric acid continues to crystallize. Taking measures to alkalize neutralize the acidity helps to dissolve the crystals that have already formed, but more importantly, helps to keep the uric acid in solution and keep it from crystallizing in the first place.
Which Joints Are Involved In Gouty Arthritis And Why Is It Most Common In The Foot
As with all other known types of arthritis, Gout has particular joints it tends to attack, and the foot is its most common location. Gout especially favors the bunion joint, known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint , but the ankle, midfoot and knee are also common locations, as is the bursa that overlies the elbow.
The bunion joint is the first joint involved in 75% of patients and is ultimately involved in over 90% of those with this condition. . It is thought that this joint is especially involved in gout because it is the joint that receives the highest pounds per square inch of pressure when walking or running.
Late in gout, if untreated, multiple joints can be involved, including the fingers and wrists. The shoulder joint is very rarely involved by gout and the same is true of the hip.
Figure 5: Location of Gout Attacks
Also Check: Foods Not Allowed To Eat With Gout
How Is Gout Treated
Gout is typically treated with medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help stop the inflammation and pain. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. If you take NSAIDs, there is an increased risk of ulcers, bleeding and stomach pain. Colchicine can also be an effective drug for treating gout. However, complications include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Colchicine is usually given to patients who cannot take NSAIDs.
Steroids are commonly used to battle the painful form or arthritis. Just like the medications described above, steroids help combat pain and inflammation. Steroids can either be taken orally or be injected directly into the joint. Common symptoms include bone thinning, weaker immune systems and poor wound healing. Steroids are typically given to patients who cannot take NSAIDs or colchicines.
Treating A Gout Attack
The methods of stopping an attack of gout can vary depending on the severity of pain. Your orthopedic physician may give you a shot of corticosteroids. They may also prescribe other types of medications that are specifically designed to treat gout. To ease the pain during a gout attack, rest the joint that hurts. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may also be prescribed to help reduce the pain. The good news is that following treatment, relief from the pain and discomfort of a gout attack often begins within 24 hours. It is important to still make an appointment with your orthopedic physician even if your pain from gout is gone. The buildup of uric acid that led to your gout attack can still harm your joints. An orthopedic physician will help you get relief from the pain of gout attacks and learn ways to prevent flare-ups in the future.
*The blog is for general information and educational purposes only regarding musculoskeletal conditions. The information provided does not constitute the practice of medicine or other healthcare professional services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Readers with musculoskeletal conditions should seek the advice of their healthcare professionals without delay for any condition they have. The use of the information is at the readers own risk. The content is not intended to replace diagnosis, treatment or medical advice from your treating healthcare professional.
Related Services
Also Check: Gout Causes Symptoms And Treatment
Treatment Of A Swollen Ankle
It’s important for the most effective treatment of ankle swelling that you have an understanding of the cause of the condition. For immediate treatment, it is safe to perform the typical ‘R.I.C.E.‘ treatment of the swelling. This means that in the early stages, one should rest, ice, compress and elevate the swollen joint. Once the specific cause of swelling is understood, you can proceed with more targeted interventions to help eliminate the swelling.
Common Causes Of Foot And Ankle Swelling
Swelling in the ankles and feet is a common problem. A variety of things can cause it. One way that doctors pinpoint the cause of swelling is by noting whether it is occurring in one leg, or both equally.
This article will talk about why your ankles and feet may swell. It will discuss how medications, injuries, and medical conditions can influence swelling of the ankles and feet.
Don’t Miss: Does Gout Only Affect The Feet
Does Gout Cause Swollen Feet
- Posted on
Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joints, mainly the one located at the base of the big toe. Gout primarily affects the foot and toes, but it can affect any joint in your body, including your toes, wrists, elbows, heels, fingers, and ankles.
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone.
The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet.
Tophi can develop in several areas such as your fingers, hands, feet,
Gout is caused by uric acid building up in the joints in the lower body, but an.
in the big toe, you may also experience gout attacks in your foot, ankle, or knees.
The Best Gout Medicine Get Answers, Advice and Medicine. The pain from a gout attack usually gets better in 3 to 10 days. Talk with your doctor about the best medicines for you. The type will depend on how
If you have too much uric acid or your kidneys arent processing it efficiently then it can form into a crystal like substance which irritates your joints and causes pain and swelling.
most.
High levels of blood sugar can damage the kidneys, although it rarely causes obvious symptoms of kidney problems early on. 9. Gout. Excess uric acid causes swelling in the joints, especially the big.
The crystals can cause a gout attack. A gout attack typically causes pain, swelling , redness, and warmth in a single joint, most.
Symptoms and signs include joint swelling, pain, redness, and heat.
Pressure from the big toe can.
Can Gout Cause Foot And Leg To Swell
Gout is a health problem that is categorized under the broad framework of arthritis affecting the joints of the body. It is also said to be a form of arthritis causing the maximum pain. The characteristic features of this medical condition include redness, swelling, stiffness and swelling of the joints. The most prominent site of a gout attack is the joint in the big toe. However, the problem can flare up in other joints of the body as well such as the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, elbows and fingers.
Although this disease only affects the joints in the body but the associated areas could also experience inflammation. If gout attacks the ankle joint, swelling could occur in the foot and in case if the knee joint is affected by the problem then inflammation could extend to the leg. Gout is known to occur in four stages namely asymptomatic , acute, inter critical and chronic.
More Articles :
Also Check: Does Keto Diet Cause Gout
Factors Influencing Crystal Deposition
Gout is one of the best understood inflammatory arthropathies. Clinical features can be easily understood and interpreted in the context of a clearly elucidated pathogenetic process. Specific risk factors such as genetics, dietary factors, co-morbidity and its treatment lead to hyperuricaemia and subsequently MSU crystal formation occurs . Crystals are then shed into the joint and activate the inflammatory cascade via the NALP3 inflammasome . Hence, any explanation of why gout targets the foot must link these pathological processes to the specific anatomical, functional, and disease characteristics of the foot .
Processes enhancing MSU crystal formation and deposition at the first MTPJ.