Gentle Exercise for Gout Sufferers

Nov 14
08:28

2012

Remcel Mae P. Canete

Remcel Mae P. Canete

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Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused when excessive build-up of uric acid in the body leads to the formation of crystals in the joints.

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Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused when excessive build-up of uric acid in the body leads to the formation of crystals in the joints. While this condition is typical to men over the age of 40,Gentle Exercise for Gout Sufferers Articles it is also known to affect women, especially after menopause.

The symptoms of gout are extreme pain in one particular joint, generally localized at the base of the big toe. However, it also affects the other joints of the body, such as those in the elbow, knees, wrists, fingers, and ankles. Affected joints might swell up, become stiff, and turn purple or red. In some people, the pain is usually accompanied by a fever. 

As you can imagine, gout is a really painful condition. For those suffering from it, nothing could be further from their thoughts than exercise. Even the mere idea of working out is excruciating. However, what most people do not know is that exercise is highly beneficial for gout sufferers. It can deliver them from perpetual misery and put them on the path to healing. Of course, there’s also the undeniable benefit that it promotes overall health, fitness, and well-being as well. 

That said, the key lies in choosing exercises that relieve the symptoms of gout, stretch the musco-skeletal system, and strengthen the body without placing undue stress on the joints. One such exercise is swimming. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, losing weight is one of the best ways to reduce the possibility of gout attacks. And there is nothing like taking to the water to shed excess weight. 

Swimming is one of the most joint-friendly cardiovascular activities in the world. It burns calories, gives your entire body a workout and doesn’t place any undue stress on the affected regions of the body. Gout sufferers should start off with no more than five minutes of swimming at a pace that is most comfortable to them. Once their body becomes accustomed to the physical activity, they should try and swim for about 150 minutes every week, at a brisk pace, alternating between the back stroke, back stroke, and dog paddle. This helps them work on the various muscle groups of the body. 

Gentle stretching and slow and steady range of motion exercises are also great for people with arthritis. This reduces stiffness, eases inflammation and pain, promotes circulation, and improves flexibility. Start with light stretches, which can slowly be worked up to gentle toe touches and short walks. 

Yoga is considered to be an excellent range of motion exercise. Not only does it deliver a non-stressful workout for the whole body, it also relaxes the mind and enhances breathing. However, the positions that are most beneficial to gout sufferers can only be suggested by a trained yoga practitioners or physiotherapists. Do not attempt to do yoga unsupervised. 

Since exercise plays an important role in the recovery from gout, a conscious attempt has to be made to incorporate it in your day to day life. Start with the gentlest movements possible and graduate to the next level only when you feel comfortable and confident. Combining Colchicine gout medication with gentle exercise could result in liberating you from having to live with lifelong pain.