Patient's question:
My aunt has been suffering from gout for many years and has been taking medication for treatment. Every time her condition flares up, she experiences extreme pain. Her friends suggested that she could go to the gym moderately to improve her physical fitness, but she is afraid that the intensity of the gym workouts might worsen her condition. She wants to ask the doctor how she should exercise in the gym for gout.Doctor's answer:
First, it is important to avoid high-intensity and vigorous activities. For gout patients, high-intensity and vigorous exercise can cause the heart rate to become too fast, which in turn can be life-threatening. Therefore, activities such as high jump and football are not suitable for gout patients.Third, it is necessary to prepare for sufficient warm-up time before exercise, longer than what a normal person would need. It is generally recommended to warm up for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Third, it is essential to perform daily flexibility training to maintain normal joint movement for gout patients, trying to coordinate and stretch different joints. For patients who experience gout in the knee and ankle joints, in addition to joint stretching and pulling exercises, aerobic activities such as cycling, elliptical machines, rowing machines, and swimming can also be chosen.
Fourth, it is advisable to refuse participation in activities that involve excessive weight-bearing or resistance, as such exercises may exacerbate the condition.