Gout Forum - Gout Or Sprain?

Conditions and Diseases > Gout Forum > Gout Or Sprain?

Gout is a common type of arthritis and accounts for about 5% of all cases of arthritic condition. But what is gout and what are the stages of this condition?...

Q: Gout Or Sprain?

asked by: conchman on August 13th, 2005

New User

I woke up one day two weeks ago and thought I sprained my ankle a day or two before. There was no swelling but the pain was bad. Two days later it got really really bad, so bad I went to the hospital here in the dominican republic where I live.

They took an x-ray and didnt see anything. They gave me shot of cortizone into the ankle and some medicine and I was fine for a about week. The ankle swelled up alittle and it was also blue towards the bottom of my foot.

Two days ago (about 3 days after the medicine ran out) the pain came back. The ankle swelled up again. It hurts same spots, on the ankle bone itself and on the top left.

After reading about gout I am starting to suspect this instead of sprains. Especially since I cannot remember spraining my foot. However, there is no 'redness' or that its 'shiny'.

I am limited with the doctors here, not sure if they even know what gout is. Maybe someone can help here, I am flying to the us soon so I guess I can get tested for it there.

Oh, I just wanted to add that i'm 38 years old and have a history of excessive beer and red meat consumption. I am 5'10 and weigh 170 lbs.

Replies(4)

JYY2

replied on August 13th, 2005

Experienced User

You may like to take a look for gout info at http://www.Icuredmygout.Org . Take care.

conchman

replied on August 14th, 2005

New User

Thanks a lot

conchman

replied on September 5th, 2005

New User

Well its been 3 weeks, in the meantime I went to doctor in miami and he reaffirmed my suspicion that I have gout. The blood test, however, was inconclusive (i think 7.1)

the doctor put me on naproxen but I still feel some pain in my ankle. In fact, my other ankle hurts too now. Its not the sprain type pain which made me limp initially, but more like a burning or tightening sensation. There is no swelling or discoloration.

I am starting to wonder whether I really have gout or not. The pain is not bad but its just a little uncomfortable. I have not been good with my diet or alcohol consumption so maybe thats the reason for the gout not going away, assuming that is what I have of course.

Any comments?

painfree

replied on September 6th, 2005

Experienced User

If you have sleep apnea (frequent cessation of breathing while you are sleeping, lasting many seconds each time), the lack of oxygen will cause the cells in your body to start a catabolic process which results in their generation of excess uric acid. When enough uric acid accumulates in the blood, it will precipitate into a joint as monosodium urate crystals to cause a gout attack. Drinking alcohol makes sleep apnea more likely to occur. Overcoming your sleep apnea will not only stop your gout, but it will also greatly reduce your long-term risk for the development of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and alzheimer's disease.

A uric acid blood test taken while you are awake (when the reduced oxygen level is no longer occurring) will very likely prove to be inconclusive.

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