Can gout cause ankle swelling?
Gout may cause swelling in the ankle, and uric acid-lowering medications should be used promptly under a doctor's guidance.
Gout is primarily a heterogeneous disease caused by impaired purine metabolism in the body, resulting in excessive uric acid production and reduced excretion, leading to elevated blood uric acid levels. During acute attacks, it can cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain in areas such as the ankle, knee joints, and toe joints. Symptoms may also occur at night, causing severe pain in the ankle and limiting mobility of the ankle joint. Pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen tablets should be used under medical supervision. When necessary, drugs like febuxostat tablets or allopurinol tablets may also be prescribed to inhibit uric acid production and lower uric acid levels.
In addition, uric acid-lowering medications such as colchicine tablets should also be taken under a doctor’s guidance for gout management. During treatment, dietary control is essential—avoid foods high in purines, such as animal organs and beer. Regular follow-up visits to monitor blood uric acid levels at the hospital are also recommended.