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Uric acid crystals attack bone, cartilage, and tendon. The Achilles Tendon is a common gout target.
Have you ever felt like your ankle was broken? Or your heel won’t bear your weight. Then it turns out to be another gout flare.
I am just getting over an awful attack in my achilles. It was one of those moving attacks, which eventually lock into one specific spot – this time happened to be my ankle, and more specifically my achilles. I did have reconstructive ankle surgery, over 10 years ago – I am sure that had something to do with that specific spot. But out of all the attacks I have had, this one, and this location was the worst.
I am wondering if I am just getting over a gout attack on my achilles. I have had gout attacks on the big toe and ankle, but it had been a few years. My ankle was swollen and my achilles was so tight that I didn't have good range of motion. I couldn't bend my knee forward because it was so tight. I told my doctor I didn't have any tauma to my foot, but my ankle and achilles were hurting. I do sports, so after an MRI and visits with a podiatrist and PT they just said it was a tight achilles and gave me exercises. WHat happened was my achilles suddenly felt fine after my toe on my other foot started hurting (it was weird). So I have an appointment with my doc next week to discuss.
When you get gout in a joint, the area around that joint becomes inflamed as your immune system attacks the uric acid crystals.
The resulting swelliNg will usually cause joint restriction.
In the case of an ankle attack, this swelling often makes the achilles tendon tight.
In my experience, pulling the foot back lessens the pain, so it seems likely to me that achilles stretching exercises, done carefully, might well ease gout pain in the foot/ankle area.
However, you must be gentle with tendon exercise. Because tendon damage, including Achilles tendon, is common with gout.
Carlos,
Are you treating your gout? Have you had a uric acid test lately?
I've had pain in my instep (top,) my ankle, an THE joint (big toe bunion) but never any involvement my Achilles tendon. But it didn't matter much because all three had me using a crutch for the affected foot.
I had 2 uric acid tests done 2-3 years ago. 1st one was high and 2nd one normal. I made a big effort to eat a low-purine diet so I think that is why my 2nd uric acid test was within normal range. At that I also had a gout attack on my ankle and I couldn't walk. So I'm fairly certain my tight achilles has to do with gout. I'm going to talk to my doctor about treatment, but I just need to monitor my diet better and lose weight.
Carlos said:
I am wondering if I am just getting over a gout attack on my achilles. I have had gout attacks on the big toe and ankle, but it had been a few years. My ankle was swollen and my achilles was so tight that I didn't have good range of motion. I couldn't bend my knee forward because it was so tight. I told my doctor I didn't have any tauma to my foot, but my ankle and achilles were hurting. I do sports, so after an MRI and visits with a podiatrist and PT they just said it was a tight achilles and gave me exercises. WHat happened was my achilles suddenly felt fine after my toe on my other foot started hurting (it was weird). So I have an appointment with my doc next week to discuss.
I am going through the same thing–intense pain and tightness at the base of my achilles and around the sides of my ankle bone–what did your doctor say?
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Achilles & Gout
This topic focuses on the effects of gout on the Achilles Tendon. However, gout affects all tendons equally. So the Achilles is just an example of tendon damage from untreated uric acid. As such, you can learn more about tendon damage as a symptom of gout.
For people who are failing to focus on timely uric acid control, I recommend a GoutPal Plan for Gout Victims.