Gout - Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Gout in the Ankle – Understanding Inflammatory Joint Pain and Relief Options

Overview

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that develops when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to intense swelling, redness, and stiffness. While it most commonly affects the big toe, the ankle joint is another frequent site for gout attacks — often causing severe pain that can make walking or standing nearly impossible.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we treat patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas who experience ankle gout and related joint inflammation. Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, combines advanced diagnostic imaging, lifestyle guidance, and medical management to help patients find relief and prevent recurrent gout flares.

What Causes Gout in the Ankle

Gout occurs when uric acid, a natural waste product from digesting purines (found in foods and drinks such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol), builds up in the bloodstream. Normally, the kidneys filter uric acid out through urine — but when levels become too high, urate crystals can form in the joints.

These needle-like crystals irritate the surrounding tissue, causing sudden inflammation and severe pain.

Common causes and risk factors include:

High uric acid levels due to genetics or diet
Kidney disease, which limits uric acid elimination
Dehydration or inadequate water intake
Excessive consumption of alcohol, red meat, or sugary drinks
Certain medications, such as diuretics or aspirin
Obesity and metabolic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
Family history of gout or chronic arthritis

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Gout can develop gradually or suddenly — and even a single episode can cause lasting joint damage if left untreated.

Symptoms of Gout in the Ankle

A gout flare often appears suddenly, frequently overnight, and is characterized by:

Severe, sharp pain in the ankle joint
Extreme tenderness, even from light touch or pressure
Limited mobility or difficulty bearing weight
Lingering discomfort that can persist for days or weeks after an acute attack

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Some patients also experience fever or a general feeling of malaise during severe flares. Over time, untreated gout can lead to chronic arthritis, joint stiffness, or tophi (hard crystal deposits under the skin).

Diagnosis

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging to confirm gout and rule out other conditions such as infection or osteoarthritis.

Diagnostic steps may include:

Joint fluid analysis — identifying uric acid crystals under a microscope
Blood tests — to measure uric acid levels and assess kidney function
X-rays — to evaluate bone changes from chronic gout
Ultrasound or MRI — to detect crystal buildup and joint inflammation

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A precise diagnosis ensures that your treatment plan addresses both immediate pain and long-term uric acid management. untreated.

Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Acute Gout Flare Management

The goal during an active flare is to relieve inflammation and restore mobility.

Dr. Burke’s recommended treatments include:

Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs or corticosteroids)
Colchicine therapy to reduce crystal-induced inflammation

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Physical Therapy

After pain subsides, to restore flexibility and ankle strength

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Patients are advised to avoid alcohol, red meat, and high-purine foods during and after a flare to support faster recovery.

Long-Term Gout Management

Preventing future gout flares is as important as treating the acute symptoms.
Dr. Burke’s approach to long-term management may include:

Lifestyle modification counseling to improve diet, hydration, and activity levels
Medications that lower uric acid levels (such as allopurinol or febuxostat)
Weight management programs to reduce joint stress and inflammation
Custom orthotics to offload pressure and stabilize gait during recovery
Ongoing monitoring to prevent crystal buildup and joint deformity

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For patients with advanced gout or persistent ankle damage, surgical options such as arthroscopy or reconstructive surgery may be considered to remove crystals or repair affected tissue.

Recovery and Prevention

Gout attacks usually subside within a few days to two weeks with proper treatment, but prevention requires consistent management of uric acid levels.

Prevention strategies include:

Staying well-hydrated throughout the day
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Reducing purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and organ meats
Limiting alcohol and sugary drinks
Regular exercise and stretching to improve circulation
Taking prescribed uric acid-lowering medications consistently

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Early treatment and prevention not only stop painful flares but also protect the ankle joint from long-term arthritic damage.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should contact an orthopedic specialist or physician if you experience:

Sudden, severe pain or swelling in the ankle
Repeated gout attacks or persistent inflammation
Redness and warmth accompanied by fever (possible infection)
Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
Chronic pain despite lifestyle or medication management

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Prompt evaluation allows for accurate diagnosis and long-term relief.

Serving Our Community

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we proudly serve the communities of Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas with expert care for inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions. Our mission is to help patients live pain-free, active lives through compassionate, evidence-based treatment.

Regain Control Over Ankle Pain and Mobility

If recurring ankle pain or swelling is affecting your movement, specialized orthopedic care can help you manage gout effectively and restore confidence in your step.

Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to consult with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas.

Our team focuses on comprehensive diagnosis, personalized treatment, and preventive care to help you achieve lasting joint health.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. If you experience sudden ankle pain, swelling, or redness accompanied by fever, seek immediate medical attention.