Exercise in the Prevention of Gout

People who suffer from gout now have a way to prevent recurrence. Exercise has been shown to increase mobility and blood circulation, as well as strengthen joints and regulate the amount of uric acid in the body. Since uric acid is the underlying cause of gout, exercising for the prevention of the buildup can alleviate pain and suffering.

Gout and Exercise

• Gout, also known as gouty arthritis, is an inflammation in the joints, and causes extremely painful sensations when the affected body part touches anything. Gout is caused by the body's inability to regulate the uric acid in the bloodstream. The mass of uric acid is then deposited into connective tissues and joints, causing hard lumps to form. The buildup of uric acid in your joints makes the connective tissues unable to function correctly and causes extreme pain. Levels of uric acid can increase due to consuming foods high in purine, such as organ meats, like kidneys and livers. Many, though not all, people who suffer from gout tend to be overweight and one way to alleviate gout is to weight loss and exercise.

  Gout can be prevented by watching the intake of purine in your diet and controlling what you eat. Gout will often manifest in the big toe, elbows, and joints in the fingers. If you suffer from gout attacks, it has been shown that exercise can diminish the frequency of the attacks and even erase it altogether. Because of the severity of the pain people endure with gout, this can cause difficulties with an exercise regimen. However, between flare-ups or if you only suffer from mild pain, exercise can alleviate your symptoms.

  Frequent and continuous exercise can lead to weight loss, which in turn makes your body healthier and run more efficiently. Gouty arthritis sufferers who lose weight will see better mobility in their joints and body, as well as increased blood circulation. When your body is healthy, many of the aches and pains disappear, and good blood circulation can help lubricate joints. Weight lifting can strengthen muscles and joints and encourage bone health. Exercise will increase your flexibility and reduces the recurrence of gout and helps your body control the uric acid buildup, though it will not break up previous uric acid in your joints.

Take Precautions

• If you fear that exercise may cause inflammation in your joints, studies have shown that exercise helps lubricate joints and connective tissues. It is, however, important to know what exercise is best for gout and other forms of arthritis, and consult your doctor when trying a new exercise regimen. Also, exercise should be done while you are not being affected by inflammation and pain. Most stretching, strengthening, endurance, and range-of-motion exercises are great for people who suffer from gout and have great health benefits. Only start exercise for the prevention of gout when you are not undergoing an attack; wait until your inflammation has subsided and when you are feeling up to it.