Sports Suitable for People With Gouty Arthritis
Gouty arthritis is a condition that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. And at the same time, how to find activities that will help relieve some of the symptoms while not worsening the condition? In this article, we’ll go over three different sports that are great for people with gouty arthritis: walking, swimming, and jogging. We’ll explain the benefits of each one and how they can help alleviate some of the pain associated with gouty arthritis.
Before starting a new sport in general, make sure that you will consider these important steps:
- Consult with your doctor: Before starting any new exercise program, it’s vital to get the green light from your doctor. They can give you specific recommendations based on your health history and current condition.
- Start slowly: It can’t be more clear. Start with short sessions, and gradually increase them, while listening to your body.
- Warm up properly: Before starting walking, swimming, and especially jogging, spend 5-10 minutes stretching and warming up to help prevent injury.
- Monitor your symptoms: Pay attention to any pain or discomfort you feel during or after exercising. If you experience any increased pain or swelling, it may be a sign that you need to reduce the intensity or duration of your sessions.
Ok, let’s get started!
Walking
It may sound trivial, but walking is a great way to exercise without putting too much strain on your joints. It’s also a low-impact activity, which won’t worsen your condition. Walking is a great way to improve your flexibility and range of motion. It’s also a good way to build up your stamina and endurance. Humans are meant to walk. And with enough persistence and a daily routine, walking quietly will push up your quality of life. Hydrate well.
Swimming
Swimming is another excellent activity for people with gouty arthritis. It’s another low-impact sport and goes easy on the joints. It’s also an adequate way to get some cardio in without putting too much strain on your body. Swimming is also a great way to build up your muscle strength. Swimming also allows you to go with your own tempo and lightens the weight of the body, that is a direct benefit for particular
Jogging
Jogging is a great way to get some cardio in, but it’s essential to be careful not to overdo it. Jogging is a high-impact activity, so it’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you start to feel any pain, stop immediately and rest. Also, always stretch and warm up before a jogging session, and if just starting – start with short sessions. Invest in a good pair of running shoes that provide support and cushioning. This will help reduce the impact on your joints and reduce your risk of injury. Mixing a jogging routine with low-impact exercises like those mentioned above is good practice. You can also switch walking with light jogging and then walking again. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your jog to help prevent dehydration.
To conclude, there are a number of different sports that are suitable for people with gouty arthritis. Walking, swimming, and jogging are all excellent forms of exercise that can help alleviate symptoms while also providing other health benefits if practiced in moderation. So if you’re looking for a way to get active with gouty arthritis, give one of these sports a try!
Related research articles:
– Nonpharmacological Management of Gout and Hyperuricemia: Hints for Better Lifestyle (doi: 10.1177/1559827615601973, PMCID: PMC6125106, PMID: 30202351)
– Effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet and Sodium Intake on Serum Uric Acid (doi: 10.1002/art.39813)