Is it good to walk with gout or with a gout attack?

The drop is a rheumatic disease characterized by a sudden severe pain in the joints, usually in the big toe, which can make movement difficult. It is normal, therefore, that doubts may arise as to whether it is good to walk with gout.

However, pain and difficulty moving do not mean that a gout sufferer needs to be immobilized. Yes, it may be better to avoid walking at the time of gout attackto reduce swelling and pain, but once it has passed it is advisable regain mobility. We tell you how.

What is gout and why is it difficult to walk with gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis inflammation resulting from excess uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia).

He uric acid It is a waste substance that results from the breakdown of purines, which are found in the tissues of our body and in certain foods (such as red meat, liver or shellfish).

We normally excrete uric acid through the urine, but in some situations it can build up (either because the body can’t get rid of it properly or because we have too much of it) and form crystals that are concentrated in the joints.

These accumulated crystals cause pain, swelling and stiffness, leading to what is known as gout. The drop often affects the big toewhich can make walking painful at certain times.

However, the drop it can also affect other jointssuch as ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers.

Some factors, such as a diet rich in purines, being obese, a family history, the use of diuretics or certain diseases (such as high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney problems), increase the risk of developing gout.

gout symptoms

gout attacks they usually appear suddenlyoften during the night, and the pain can be intense. They can last up to a week or two before going away (although the pain is usually strongest in the first 4 to 12 hours).

Other symptoms are:

Swelling and tenderness in the affected joint. Redness and warmth in the area. Problems moving the joints. Difficulty standing or walking.

If left untreated, gout can be chronicled and uric acid crystals can form lumps under the skin around the joint, called “tophus”. It can also cause kidney stones.

Is it good to walk with gout?

Gout causes swelling and pain, which can lead to make it difficult to walk. But when answering this question, it is necessary to differentiate between walking with gout or walking with a gout attack: the answer will not be the same if the question refers to whether it is good to walk with gout in general or whether it is good to walk with a gout attack.

When there is the severe gout attackit may be convenient to avoid walking to reduce swelling and pain. Resting, icing, and elevating the legs can help at this stage.

However, once past gout attackyou have to recover mobility, because stopping walking completely can even be harmful.

How to walk with gout in the foot

Practice regular moderate physical activity helps maintain a Healthy weight, improve circulation, reduce uric acid levels and inflammation and Strengthen muscles around the joints, which can reduce the risk of future gout attacks.

In this sense, walking is a joint-friendly activity that can relieve pain related to gout.

It is important to use a comfortable shoes that adapt well to your foot and walk slowly to avoid exacerbating joint pain.Start by taking short walks and go up the distance and intensity if you tolerate it well.

In any case, before starting any type of physical activity, it is advisable seek medical advice who can best advise you based on the severity of your specific case and your general state of health.

home remedies for gout

When flare-ups are severe and painful, your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. He or she may also prescribe medications to decrease purine production or increase its elimination.

However, long-term treatment of gout involves performing diet and lifestyle changes: avoid foods rich in purines and alcoholic or sugary drinks, control your weight, practice physical exercise.

It can also help you:

Eat cherries or drink cherry juicesince they contain anti-inflammatory compounds and it has been seen that they can reduce uric acid levels in the blood.Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain.Stay well hydrated (with water) is essential to help eliminate uric acid and for general joint health.Apply ice to affected joints (wrapped in a cloth, never directly on the skin) will help reduce inflammation and pain. Some medicinal plants They can also reduce uric acid levels.