Can Gout Cause Ankle Pain?

When you think of gout, the big toe is the first area that comes to mind. But did you know that gout can affect other parts of your body? If you frequently experience painfully swollen ankles, gout may be the culprit.

At Cascade Foot & Ankle in Provo and Nephi, Utah, board-certified podiatric surgeon Jared Clegg, DPM, FACFAS, provides expert care for gout-related ankle pain. Our team takes a whole-body approach to care that focuses on identifying your gout triggers and helping you find relief.

Understanding gout: It’s more than a big toe problem

Gout is a unique type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in your bloodstream, forming sharp crystals that settle in certain joints. Unlike osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which usually cause pain over time, this crystal formation leads to sudden, intense pain and swelling.

Most people have gout in their big toe because uric acid tends to crystalize at cooler temperatures. Since your toe joint is farthest away from your heart, it’s the perfect breeding ground for gout.

But it’s not the only joint where gout can develop. The ankle joint — also located far away from the heart — is another common area for uric acid to crystalize.

What does ankle gout feel like?

Ankle gout can be more difficult to spot than when it affects the big toe because it’s less common. It’s also often mistaken for other injuries and conditions, like an ankle sprain. While identifying gout can be challenging, there are a few warning signs that set it apart from other conditions, including:

Intense pain

Gout is almost always very painful. Even your clothes touching the affected joint can be extremely uncomfortable.

Sudden onset

Unlike an injury or degenerative condition, ankle gout comes on without warning. These surprise attacks make it difficult to prepare.

Redness and warmth

The affected joint often becomes red, hot, and visibly inflamed, which is another key sign of gout rather than a sprain or strain.

Visible joint swelling

Gout often causes significant swelling that makes the ankle look noticeably larger and more misshapen than it would with a typical sprain.

Lingering discomfort

Even after the intense pain subsides, you might continue to feel discomfort for days or weeks following a gout flare-up.

Overcoming ankle gout: What are your treatment options?

At Cascade Foot & Ankle, we offer a range of treatments to help manage and relieve the pain caused by ankle gout. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend:

Rest and immobilization

Giving your ankle time to heal can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort during a gout flare.

Ice and elevation

Applying ice and keeping your ankle elevated can help minimize swelling and provide relief from intense pain.

Corticosteroid injections

These anti-inflammatory injections target the affected joint, providing fast and effective relief from gout-related pain and inflammation.

Laser therapy

This advanced treatment helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing in the affected ankle joint.

Ultrasound-guided procedures

By using ultrasound technology, we can precisely target the inflamed area to deliver treatment with greater accuracy and minimal discomfort.

If you’re dealing with recurring ankle gout, our team is here to help you find the best treatment to reduce pain and prevent future flare-ups. Contact us at Cascade Foot & Ankle today to schedule a consultation with our team for the expert care you deserve.