Why Gout Relief Through Exercise is So Important

Gout relief doesn't just come from medications and herbal remedies, but also through taking appropriate actions, such as exercises, to minimize gout symptoms and prevent the condition from flaring up again. When a gout attack is brought under control, exercising is an important part of strengthening the joint as well as reducing weight or maintaining the right weight level. Both of these issues are very important to gout relief as a strong joint will be less likely to suffer from a gout attack, and people who are in their healthy weight range are much less likely to suffer from the condition.

There are three primary forms of exercises that can be practiced in order to achieve gout relief and prevent its recurrence. These are:

- Strengthening exercises that help to increase or maintain muscles that support the joint.

- Range-of-motion exercises that help to keep joints well lubricated and moving, reducing stiffness.

- Endurance exercises, which assist in controlling your weight, provide you with energy, and strengthen your heart.

Of course, your ability to perform these exercises depends on your current physical condition. Before you begin any new exercise regimen, especially one designated for gout relief, you should speak to your doctor. He or she may be able to suggest specific exercises that will improve your chances of success, with the area of your gout attack kept in mind.

Even moderate stretching exercises are able to strengthen and build flexibility in the muscles and tendons surrounding the affected joint. You may also benefit from low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, or bicycling on a stationary bike. These are all great for building strength, flexibility, and endurance, without putting a large amount of stress on your joints.

The worst thing that you can do for your gout is to lead an inactive or sedentary lifestyle. The portion of the population least likely to develop gout or arthritis includes those people who regularly exercise.

A 2008 study by Jennifer Hootman Ph.D. published in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that only 30 percent of adults with gouty arthritis met the required minimum activity level set by federal guidelines. One of the main reasons that these gout sufferers refrained from activity was the misconception that their joints would be further harmed by exercise. They also feared the pain that can be involved when first getting started with an activity when suffering from gout.

Indeed, when gout is at its worst, it is often impossible to exercise, but it is the rest of the time that gout sufferers should remain active in order to reach gout relief. When the gout pain subsides enough for exercise to begin, sufferers should start slowly and make sure that the affected joint is always well relaxed and rested. Any inflammation can be treated with cool and warm compresses or with anti- inflammatory drugs.

You should also make sure that you're making other efforts for gout relief, such as cutting foods out of your diet that may be helping gout to return more frequently. Look into your favorite beverages to ensure that you're not making your gout worse just by sipping a drink on the couch.