Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by acute pain, redness, often appearing in small joints such as the big toe, ankle, and knee, according to Healthline. In addition to drug treatment and diet regulation, proper exercise plays an important role in disease control and maintaining quality of life.
According to the Arthritis Foundation (USA), people with gout should not completely avoid exercise but need to exercise gently to maintain joint flexibility, support blood circulation and prevent pain from recurring. Here are 3 simple but effective exercises:
1.Lieutenant walking Walking is a basic form of exercise that is easy to do.
Patients should start with 15-20 minutes per day on a flat surface, wearing soft shoes to reduce pressure on the joints.This method helps increase blood circulation, maintain a reasonable weight and supports the excretion of uric acid - the cause of gout.
2. Stretch of the toes
This exercise is suitable for people with gout in their feet. Sit on a chair, stretch your legs, use a towel around your toes and gently pull towards your torso, hold for 5 seconds and then relax. Do 10-15 reps on each side to reduce stiffness, increase range of motion for the affected area.
3. Water exercises
Exercising in water, such as walking in a pool or light aerobic movements, is very beneficial because the body weight is reduced, avoiding pressure on the joints. In addition, warm water also helps stretch muscles, reduce pain and swelling of joints effectively. Exercising 2-3 times a week is ideal.
However, experts recommend avoiding exercise when experiencing acute pain, and need to warm up thoroughly before exercising and stop if pain increases. Exercise should be accompanied by a low-purine diet, drinking plenty of water, and following the instructions of the treating physician.
