5 Tips for Exercising When You Have Gout

When you are living with gout, a form of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid crystals in the joints - a lack of exercise can cause a vicious cycle that worsens the painful effects of the condition. Gout makes your joints hurt and so you may not feel like exercising. However, lack of exercise can make you less flexible, weakens your muscles and joints, and can result in bone loss. Exercise can help you keep you to manage your gout and promote faster healing. The right exercises can reduce pain and boost your energy. Exercising can also keep you in shape by helping you to maintain a healthy body weight and building healthy bones, joints, and muscles. The right exercises can even help reverse the effects of gout. It will also build more muscle, increase bone density and boost your overall level of fitness. Regular exercise can make you will feel stronger and have more energy. The following five exercise tips can help reduce the painful symptoms and recurrence of gout. It's essential they are performed with good form and smooth motion. Always remember to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise regime.

1. Low-impact Cardio/Aerobic Exercises

Cardiovascular exercise will help boost your lung function and your body's ability to use oxygen to metabolise acid in the body. Most aerobic exercises will also strengthen the lower body muscles. Choose low impact aerobic exercises such as fitness walking, stair climbing or dance exercise. Start with 10 minutes every day and add a few minutes each day. Your goal is 30 to 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

2. Swimming

Swimming and water aerobics are a great way to increase mobility and the functioning of the joints. When you are moving in water, there is less stress on your joints. You should start slowly and then gradually increase the time you spend swimming. It is vital to remember that speed and distance are not as important as the amount of time you spend swimming. Build up a regular routine by swimming two days per week for 15 minutes. Eventually you should aim to swim for 30 to 45 minutes.

Stretching

3. Wrists Make a fist with your hand. Roll your wrists both clockwise and anti clockwise for 30 seconds each.

4. Shoulders Place your hands by your side and roll your shoulders forward for 30 seconds and then roll them backward for another 30 seconds.

5. Back and hamstrings Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you then reach forward to touch your toes. Hold for about 15 seconds and try 3 more times.

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