Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid levels increase and crystals form in the joints. It’s most common in the big toe, but it can also occur in the ankle and knee. The pain can take up to 10 days to lessen, but it can also return.
When gout is flaring up, exercise can seem impossible. Putting any pressure on the affected joint is excruciating. Your mom or dad shouldn’t give up exercise, but they need to talk to their doctor. The first goal is to reduce the build-up of crystals.
Once that is happening, low-impact exercises are advised. Focus on hip, back, arm, and neck muscles more than the muscles in the legs and feet at first. As the pain decreases in the joints, increase the number of exercises focused on the legs and feet.
These are the best exercises to do at first.
Floor Exercises
Can your parent lay on the floor without struggling to get back up? If so, floor exercises like straight leg lifts, crunches, and some easy Yoga poses help.
Qigong
Qigong is a form of martial art that blends slow, balanced movements with coordinated, deep breathing. The breathing helps with relaxation and the movements help tone muscles and aid with balance. Movements focus on making sure that the breathing is just as important as the motion.
Stretches
From a sitting position, it’s possible to stretch the arms to the ceiling and bend at the waist from one side to the other. Neck rolls and arm circles also make it easy to exercise without straining the joints in the lower legs and feet. The use of hand weights can help tone the arm muscles.
Swimming
Get in a pool and move around in the water. Kicking feet and legs may not be easy yet, but there’s no reason your parent couldn’t get in the pool with a swim ring or pool noodle and swim only using the arms.
Walking
Distance may not be possible, but a walk around a yard or neighborhood is okay. Your parent may need a cane for additional support. You can also look into having a caregiver come from an elderly care agency in order to have someone your parent can lean on while walking.
When gout flares up, elderly care aides help keep your parent’s house clean. They can make meals that don’t have some of the most common gout triggers. They can help support your parent during exercise routines. Call an agency to discuss elderly care services and prices in your area.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN URBANDALE, IA, FOR A SENIOR LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!