The benefits of walking for gouty arthritis patients
Walking is an underrated form of exercise. It’s often seen as too easy or too slow to be effective, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Walking has a plethora of benefits, especially for those suffering from gouty arthritis. In addition, walking is relatively easy to do and requires no special equipment or skills. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of walking for gouty arthritis patients and propose a simple walking routine. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Walking
- Body Coordination: Walking helps improve coordination by teaching your body how to move effectively and efficiently. This is especially important for seniors or those with joint pain, as poor coordination can lead to falls and injuries.
- Aerobic Exercise: Walking is a great form of aerobic exercise, which helps increase heart rate and breathing while strengthening the muscles in your legs and hips. Aerobic exercise is important for overall health and can help reduce some symptoms associated with gouty arthritis, such as fatigue and stiffness.
- Weight Loss: Walking can also help with weight loss, which is important because obesity is a risk factor for gouty arthritis. Losing weight can help reduce joint stress, inflammation, and overall quality of life.
How to Get Started Walking
The best way to get started walking is to start slow and gradually increase your pace and distance as you become more comfortable. A good rule of thumb is to start by walking for 10 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week. As you become more used to walking, you can increase your time to 20-30 minutes a day, 5-7 times a week. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes that provide support for your feet and joints. Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioned soles to help reduce the impact on your joints. Additionally, be sure to warm up before you start walking and cool down when you are finished. A simple stretching routine can help prevent injuries.
Walking for Joint Preservation
If you suffer from gouty arthritis, it is important to take steps to protect your joints while walking. The Arthritis Foundation recommends using a cane or walker if you need assistance with balance or stability. You may also want to consider using handrails when available. Additionally, take rest breaks as needed and choose level ground whenever possible. Taking these precautions can help preserve your joints and prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Walking has many benefits for those suffering from gouty arthritis, including improved body coordination, increased aerobic activity, and weight loss. To get started, we recommend a simple walking routine: start by walking 10 minutes per day, five days per week. If this is manageable, gradually increase the amount of time you walk until you reach 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Remember to listen to your body – if you’re in pain, reduce daily walking and consult with your doctor. We also recommend searching the mobile stores for a gout management app that helps you build the walking habit and maintain it long term. With consistency and dedication, you’ll be reaping the benefits of walking in no time!
Resources:
1) Physical activity prevents acute inflammation in a gout model by downregulation of TLR2 on circulating neutrophils as well as inhibition of serum CXCL1 and is associated with decreased pain and inflammation in gout patients (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237520, PMCID: PMC7529261, PMID: 33002030)