How to determine if ankle pain is caused by gout
Aug 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Gout can generally be diagnosed based on the nature of pain, accompanying symptoms, CT scans, blood tests, and X-ray examinations. Pain often occurs suddenly at night, is severe in intensity, and accompanied by a tearing sensation, which may indicate gout. In addition to ankle joint pain, symptoms such as increased skin temperature, redness, swelling, and fever may also be present; the presence of these accompanying symptoms suggests gout.
The ankle usually refers to the ankle joint. Whether gout is present can generally be determined by evaluating the nature of pain, accompanying symptoms, CT scans, blood tests, and X-ray examinations. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Nature of pain: If the pain occurs suddenly, typically at night, is severe in intensity, and accompanied by a tearing sensation, it may indicate gout.
2. Accompanying symptoms: In addition to ankle joint pain, symptoms such as increased skin temperature, redness, swelling, and fever may also occur. The presence of these symptoms suggests possible gout.
3. CT scan: Findings may include damage and hardening of the ankle joint surface, marginal proliferation, and uneven nodular shadows or punctate calcifications around the joint.
4. Blood test: Measuring serum uric acid levels can assist in diagnosis. If uric acid levels exceed the normal range, gout is highly likely.
5. X-ray examination: X-rays can also aid in diagnosing gout, potentially revealing cartilage margin destruction and irregularity of the ankle joint surface.
If you experience ankle joint pain, it is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for accurate diagnosis and receive standardized treatment under medical guidance.
