After a gout flare subsides, Dr. Low-impact aerobic exercises can be helpful, too, such as on an elliptical machine. Be careful not to overdo it once you ease into post-flare exercise, she cautions. If you do experience pain with walking after a flare, go back to using a walking support and reduce your planned exercise until the pain subsides. Iversen recommends, adding that you should consult your physician and physical therapist before starting any exercise routine.
Because gout often affects the big toe, midfoot, and ankle, choosing good footwear is important. Iversen says a physical therapist can help evaluate the best footwear for a patient with gout based on evidence that shows specialized footwear provides benefits for patients by changing the alignment of the leg and foot, influencing the activity of the muscles of the foot, and your gait pattern the way you walk.
These modifications are designed to decrease the pressure load on your joints. Remember, your goal is to move without pain. Start slowly, using a walking pace that creates the least amount of stress and pressure, Dr.
Iversen suggests. As you feel comfortable with your walking stride, test a gradually faster pace that increases your heart rate.
Beyond walking, consider adding different heart-pumping activities into your regular aerobic exercise, such as swimming or riding a stationary bike. An elliptical machine can be a smart choice to get your arms and legs moving without excessive joint force, she adds. Once your gout flare subsides, you want to regain flexibility in the joint to ensure ease with movement. Iversen recommends simple stretching by slowly moving your joint forward, back and then around to a comfortable limit.
Repeat five times and gradually increase repetitions. Having strong muscles can protect your joint from wear and tear, especially for joints affected by gout. Beyond weight training, simple resistance exercises that use your own body weight can be effective to build muscle.
For example, try an elastic resistance band by holding each end and putting your foot in the middle, then repeat your flexibility exercises while pushing against the force of the band.
The key with any exercise after a gout flare is to go slow and listen to your body, Dr. Iversen stresses. Host Steve Clisby, who was recently diagnosed with gout, interviews fellow patients and gout experts to explore the basics of this often-misunderstood disease, debunk common myths, and share useful tips for taking control of your health. Check it out here. Let trusted friends and family know that you have this disease, and reach out for support when you are having a flare.
Some patients can go a long time between attacks. In fact, for 62 percent of patients the next attack will be more than a year away, and some won't have another attack in the next 10 years.
However, if you begin to have more frequent attacks, talk to your doctor about escalating treatment. The gout can be doing damage to your joints. In particular, ask about allpurinol. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. You can get kidney stones if your uric acid levels are very high, so you'll need treatment to reduce the levels. Read our guide to care and support if you:. Page last reviewed: 09 October Next review due: 09 October Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call if: the pain is getting worse you also have a very high temperature you feel hot and shivery you also feel sick or cannot eat These symptoms could mean you have an infection inside your joint and need urgent medical help.
Do take any medicine you've been prescribed as soon as possible — it should start to work within 2 days rest and raise the limb keep the joint cool — apply an ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes at a time drink lots of water unless a GP tells you not to try to keep bedclothes off the affected joint at night. Important It's important to take uric acid-lowering medicine regularly, even when you no longer have symptoms. These crystals build up in the joints and can cause swelling and pain.
Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout, however. Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of gout also exist. These include :. Gout flares normally improve after a few weeks, even without treatment.
The frequency of flares can vary from person to person. People can help prevent future gout flares by making changes to their routine. The CDC recommend:. Learn more about foods to eat and avoid with gout here.
The initial treatment of gout tends to focus on treating acute symptoms. For this, a doctor may prescribe :. The doctor will focus on reducing uric acid levels in the body once they have treated the acute symptoms. Some medications they may prescribe to reduce uric acid levels include:. The doctor will also recommend making certain dietary and routine adjustments, such as those listed above, to prevent future gout flares and to reduce gout symptoms.
Learn more about home remedies for gout here. As gout flares can last for days or weeks, a person should contact a doctor if their symptoms last for a prolonged period of time.
Treatment options are more effective when a person receives them in the early stages of a gout flare. The doctor will also be able to confirm whether or not gout is present. They will carry out a physical examination of the affected joint and may also request other tests, such as:.
Learn more about some other potential causes of pain in the big toe here.
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