Gout in the ankle joint | Gout in the foot

Gout in the ankle joint

Various ankle joints can also be affected by gout disease. These include above all the upper and lower ankle joint, as well as the tarsal and metatarsal joints. However, every joint of the foot can be affected by gout, although less frequently.

The symptoms are often not so clearly localized because there are many small joints on the foot. Gout in the ankle joint often leads to temporary movement restrictions and complaints when walking. Depending on the extent of the swelling, it may also be difficult to wear shoes.

Attack of gout in the foot

An attack of gout in the foot involves acute, very severe pain. These attacks of gout typically occur at night, lead to the affected person waking up and are therefore very stressful. The pain occurs in the foot like a seizure and there is an acute swelling, overheating and redness.

Cooling and elevating the foot helps to relieve acute pain. The foot should be protected and left alone as much as possible, so it is also important to avoid sports for a short time, but only for one or two days or in consultation with a doctor. If the first attack of gout occurs in the foot, a doctor should be consulted within the next few days if possible to clarify the presence of gout.

Gout in the foot, what helps?

There are numerous treatment options for gout in the foot that can help. For acute complaints, it is essential to protect and cool the foot: the foot should be elevated and not put under stress. It can be cooled with cool packs or ice packs to reduce swelling.

Alternatively, a foot bath with cold water can be taken to relieve the overheating and pain. Painkillers from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to relieve the pain. The analgesic Diclofenac is also available as Voltaren ointment and can be applied directly to the painful area of the foot.