Drug-induced gout, ankle and foot Save
ICD-10 code: M10.27
Chapter: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
Drug-induced gout, ankle and foot
Gout is a painful and chronic form of arthritis that develops when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, but it's most commonly seen in the big toe. Gout attacks can be triggered by various factors, including certain medications.
Drug-induced gout occurs when medications disrupt the body's natural process of breaking down uric acid. This leads to an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can cause inflammation and pain.
- Diuretics: Diuretics are medications that help the body get rid of excess fluid. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. However, some diuretics can increase uric acid levels in the body, leading to gout attacks.
- Aspirin: Aspirin is a commonly used pain reliever that can also increase uric acid levels in the body. It's important to note that low doses of aspirin (less than 300mg per day) are usually safe for people with gout.
- Niacin: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is used to treat high cholesterol. However, it can also increase uric acid levels in the body, leading to gout attacks.
In addition to these medications, certain chemotherapy drugs and immunosuppressants can also increase the risk of developing gout. If you're taking any of these medications and experience symptoms of gout, be sure to talk to your doctor.
When it comes to treating drug-induced gout, the first step is to stop taking the medication that's causing the problem. Your doctor may also recommend medications to help reduce inflammation and pain during an acute gout attack.
To prevent gout attacks in the future, it's important to manage your overall health and lifestyle. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a diet that's low in purines (substances that can increase uric acid levels in the body).
If you're experiencing symptoms of gout or have concerns about medication-related gout, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of future gout attacks.