Note exercise for people with gout

People with gout should maintain regular sports activities, but high-intensity exercises should be avoided, especially during acute episodes of joint pain.

Exercise is important for people living with gout. Not only does it help reduce uric acid in the blood, some studies also show that regular exercise helps prolong life by 4-6 years for people with high uric acid levels in the blood.

Weight gain and obesity also increase uric acid levels, so weight control helps reduce the risk of acute gout flares . In addition, light exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation. Exercise and a low-calorie diet are considered to be among the most effective non-pharmacological interventions for gout symptoms.

In addition, exercise helps restore strength and flexibility after acute episodes of inflammation. During these stages, the pain reduces mobility, the person does not move too much, the joints can become stiff and less flexible.

In addition, some recent scientific studies show that people with gout who are regularly active are less likely to develop tophi (nodules that develop in the late stages of chronic gout).

Gentle forms of exercise such as walking and yoga are suitable for people with gout. Photo: Goutpatient

Doctors said that during the period

of pain, the patient should not do sports, instead should rest, apply ice to the painful location, elevate the leg if the pain occurs. Gout pain occurs in one of the joints in the lower part of the body.

During gout flares, inflammation is at its worst. Increased range of motion in these joint areas exacerbates the inflammatory process. In addition, during acute episodes, activities such as standing and walking can cause pain.

Doctors think that during this period, patients need to control inflammation and reduce uric acid levels, limit heavy exercises, and use painful joints. However, the patient can perform low-intensity, non-weight-bearing exercises.

Notes when practicing

Experts said that after episodes of joint pain, patients need to return to normal exercise but at an increased pace. If you've been running before, you should resume with low-to-moderate intensity exercises.

High-intensity exercise should be avoided as it can increase uric acid levels in the body, triggering other flare-ups. High intensity exercise should be avoided including sprinting, HITT, cycling... Note to drink enough water, avoid sugary drinks.

Patients should start exercising slowly with a consistent program. Many studies show that people with gout should exercise at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity each week. This is also a good level for weight maintenance and heart health.

If you have trouble maintaining exercise while managing your gout, consult your doctor and get physical therapy if needed.

When focusing on weight loss, people with gout should exercise in conjunction with a diet. Sudden weight loss can also cause uric acid levels in the blood to rise.

Moderate-intensity exercise plays an important role in the management and treatment of gout. This therapy helps control body weight as well as uric acid levels. Patients should return to exercise as soon as possible after a flare-up of joint pain. Choose exercises that do not increase pain but still allow gentle movement.

The best type of exercise for people with gout

Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, swimming... are the best ways to control uric acid levels and body weight.

Additionally, people with frequent flare-ups of gout attacks may experience permanent changes in their joints, limiting their range of motion. Low-impact exercises such as swimming and low-impact aerobics can help reduce stress on joints.

Flexibility exercises are also generally helpful. Yoga helps maintain mobility. Some studies suggest that it also improves gout pain.