Cleveland Clinic defines gout as a “painful form of arthritis”.
Uric acid crystals concentrate in joints, particularly in the fingers, knees, ankles, and toes leading to pain, tenderness, and swelling in the afflicted areas.
More common in men than women, it affects 3.9% of the adult population of the United States. That’s roughly 9.2 million people.
So, what things can increase your chances of getting this condition and what can you do to prevent the development of gout in the ankle? Let’s find out.
1. Excessive alcohol consumption
Uric acid is a by-product of the decomposition of chemical compounds known as purines. While alcohol doesn’t generally have a lot of purines, it can accelerate the rate at which purines are produced in the body.
To reduce your chances of a gout attack, doctors recommend limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per day for men and one for women.
2. Kidney problems
Your kidneys play a pivotal role in ridding the blood of toxins and wastes such as uric acids. However, when they fail to filter out uric acid, the build-up then forms scores of sharp crystals which congregate in and around your joints causing gout.
The best way to prevent chronic kidney disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle – i.e., exercise, reduce alcohol and stress, quit smoking, get enough sleep each night and eat a balanced diet, And speak of eating right…
3. High-protein diets
The Carnivore diet has gained traction in recent years; however, one major downside that’s barely spoken of by proponents of this way of life is potentially developing gout in the ankle.
You see, consuming colossal quantities of seafood, offal, and red meat can lead to a build-up of uric acid, and we’ve seen that these can then crystallize and collate around your joints causing gout.
4. Obesity
Being overweight and having high blood pressure and or diabetes significantly elevates your risk of developing gout in the ankle. Work with your primary care physician and a nutritionist to tailor an eating plan to help you achieve a healthier weight, which can assist in lowering high blood pressure and managing diabetes.
5. Genetics
There are some diseases that can be inherited, and which run in certain families. While there’s not much you can do because this is genetic, knowing your family history can help speed up your diagnosis.
Are you worried about a foot or ankle problem?
Do you have any questions regarding the health of your feet or ankles? Dr. Lonny Nodelman, a top podiatrist in Northern Virginia, and the team over at District Foot and Ankle are here to help. Request your appointment today.
Looking for more insight? Check out our previous posts:
- The Different Types of Leg Pain and What Causes Them
- Podiatrist Near Me: Why Do My Muscles Cramp So Much?
- Alexandria VA Podiatrist: Plantar Fasciitis A Probable Cause of Persistent Arch Pain
Disclaimer: Any information provided in this blog is not intended to replace medical advice given by qualified professionals.