![\"heel](\"https:\/\/heelthatpain.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Heel-Pain-Gout-300x300.png\")
The word gout comes from the Greek word podagra, which literally translates to \u201cfoot grabber.\u201d<\/p>\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]The word gout comes from the Greek word podagra, which literally translates to \u201cfoot grabber.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid and characterized by foot pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking is typically localized in the big toe. However, some types of gout may be localized in the heel, making it difficult to distinguish from plantar fasciitis.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore the connection between gout and heel pain, as well as symptoms that can help you tell the difference between plantar fasciitis and gout<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s fairly rare for gout pain to appear in the heel<\/a> (instead of near the big toe), it does happen!<\/p>\n Gout that leads to foot pain develops when there are high levels of uric acid in the body. And high levels of uric acid are most likely to develop under the following conditions:<\/p>\n So, why does gout show up in the feet (as opposed to other body parts)? Uric acid is very sensitive to cooler temperatures<\/a>. As it circulates throughout the body and reaches the feet (furthest from the heart and typically the coolest), the liquid uric acid crystalizes, leading to pain in the joints of the big toe or joint of the heel (where the heel bone meets the ankle bone).<\/p>\n Uric acid levels rise when your body breaks down \u201cpurines.\u201d Purines are found in foods like red meat and alcohol, as well as in certain medications and naturally in the human body (especially as fat stores increase).<\/p>\n Most of the time, your body is able to manage uric acid levels effectively, simply dumping the uric acid into your kidneys where it is excreted as urine. However, when uric acid levels get high enough, your kidneys may struggle to keep up, and uric acid may stay in your bloodstream where it causes inflammation, pain, and swelling as it crystallizes in the joints of the foot.<\/p>\n Heel pain can be confusing at times. While the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis,<\/a> other less common ailments like gout can mimic similar symptoms! Use this helpful symptom guide to determine whether you\u2019re dealing with plantar fasciitis or gout:<\/p>\n The hallmark symptoms of plantar fasciitis include the following:<\/p>\n Anyone can get gout, although it\u2019s most common in individuals with the risk factors we covered earlier (like heavy alcohol use, or a diet that includes a lot of red meat.) The symptoms of gout in the heel are subtly different from those of plantar fasciitis in the heel:<\/p>\n As a general rule of thumb, pain from plantar fasciitis will improve with rest, while pain from gout will flare up during long periods of inactivity and rest.<\/p>\n Thankfully, most cases of heel pain from gout can be successfully resolved with minimal medical intervention and changes to diet and lifestyle.<\/p>\n NSAIDs<\/strong> (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Tylenol and Ibuprofen can help relieve pain from a gout attack, as well as reduce pain and swelling in the heel.<\/p>\n Colchicine<\/strong> is another common medication prescribed to treat pain from gout, however, it can cause severe side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Your doctor will likely recommend the minimal dose needed.<\/p>\n Corticosteroids<\/strong> are used in rare cases when NSAIDs or Colchicine can\u2019t be taken since these drugs have serious side effects including high blood pressure and high blood sugar.<\/p>\n If you have ongoing gout attacks, or severe ongoing gout symptoms your doctor may also consider prescribing medication that limits the amount of uric acid your body produces.<\/p>\n Limit foods that increase uric acid production:<\/strong> These foods include alcohol, red meat, seafood, organ meats, fructose sugars, and other foods high in purines.<\/p>\n Exercise and manage weight when possible:<\/strong> As possible, maintain a healthy weight to keep the body\u2019s own production of uric acid down.<\/p>\n Drink coffee:<\/strong>\u00a0While scientists don\u2019t understand the link completely, some studies have shown that drinking coffee<\/a> can help lower your levels of uric acid!<\/p>\n\n
How Can High Uric Acid Cause Heel Pain?<\/h2>\n
Is My Heel Pain Gout or Plantar Fasciitis?<\/h2>\n
Symptoms of Heel Pain from Plantar Fasciitis<\/h3>\n
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Symptoms of Heel Pain Due to Uric Acid<\/h3>\n
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Treating Heel Pain from Gout<\/h2>\n
Medications<\/h3>\n
Lifestyle Changes<\/h3>\n