Gout in the feet and ankles

Gout develops when urate crystals irritate a joint and start an inflammatory response. In the foot or ankle, this can produce tight swelling, shiny or red skin, marked tenderness and pain with walking or ankle movement. One joint may flare while nearby areas remain normal. Ankle swelling can also follow a sprain, infection, blood-flow problem or another arthritis, so the symptom pattern should be checked rather than assumed to be gout. A clinician may assess your joint and consider blood tests, imaging or fluid testing.

Keep weight off the painful area as much as practical, elevate the limb and use supportive, non-tight footwear when you must move. A wrapped cold pack for short periods can reduce discomfort. Follow the treatment plan supplied for your health history; do not combine pain medicines or change a preventive gout medicine without advice. Review kidney function, current medicines and recurring triggers with your clinician so future flares can be addressed.

Arrange prompt assessment for a first hot, swollen ankle or foot, or when pain makes weight-bearing difficult. Seek urgent care if fever, chills, rapidly spreading redness, an open wound, drainage or feeling very unwell occurs. These features can indicate infection. Follow up if attacks recur, a joint stays swollen, or lumps or stiffness develop between flares.

Could this be gout or another cause of ankle swelling? Is joint-fluid testing appropriate? Which treatment is safe with my health conditions? How can we prevent another foot or ankle flare?