Understanding Gout and How it Affects the Feet
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints. It most often affects the big toe, but can also affect the heels, ankles, knees, wrists and fingers. Gout occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood (a condition called hyperuricemia). Uric acid crystals deposit in the joints, tendons and surrounding tissues, causing inflammation. Foot massage may help improve circulation and relieve pain during gout attacks.
Symptoms of a Gout Attack
Gout attacks usually occur suddenly, often at night. Symptoms include:
- Intense joint pain
- Red, shiny, swollen joints
- Joint stiffness and difficulty moving
- Feeling like the joint is warm or hot to the touch
Atttacks most often affect joints in the big toe, but can also occur in the ankles, heels, knees, wrists and fingers. Attacks typically subside within 3 to 10 days, even without treatment. However over time, gout attacks may occur more frequently and additional joints may become affected if hyperuricemia is not treated.
Causes and Risk Factors for Gout
Several factors are thought to play a role in the development of gout including:
- High levels of uric acid in the blood
- Family history
- Obesity
- Diet high in purines, which can raise uric acid levels
- Kidney disease
- Exposure to lead in the environment
- Medications including diuretics, low dose aspirin, some antibiotics
- Dehydration
- Alcohol use, especially beer and hard liquor
- Injury to a joint, surgery or sudden change in diet
Treating Gout
Several medications are used to treat acute gout attacks and prevent recurrent ones:
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation
- Colchicine to reduce swelling
- Steroids like prednisone
- Medicines like allopurinol or febuxostat to lower uric acid levels
In addition to medication, applying ice can decrease inflammation in the affected joint while elevating the joint may reduce swelling. Staying well hydrated is also important, as dehydration may worsen attacks.
Can Foot Massage Help with Gout?
Many people with gout find that massaging their feet can help provide relief during gout attacks. While foot massage will not treat the root cause of gout or reduce uric acid levels, it may temporarily help with symptoms. Specifically, foot massage may:
- Increase circulation - By stimulating blood flow, massage can deliver fresh oxygenated blood to inflamed tissues and help flush away swelling and toxins.
- Ease stiffness and pain - Manipulating tight, painful muscles and joints can provide relief by loosening contracted tissues.
- Relax the nervous system - Gentle massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to induce relaxation and calm the pain response.
- Distract the mind - Changing the focus to the sensations of massage can redirect attention away from the pain.
Some key things to know about foot massage for gout relief:
Use Light to Moderate Pressure
Severe gout attacks cause the feet to be extremely sensitive and tender to the touch. Using deep tissue massage techniques would be too painful and could further aggravate inflammation. Focus on light strokes and medium pressure while avoiding directly massaging severely inflamed joints. Check in regularly with how your partner is feeling to ensure pressure remains soothing.
Aim for Gentle Relaxation
While massage has its limits in treating gout, a gentle foot rub can offer nurturing comfort and a chance for the body to rest and recuperate.< When performed by a caring partner, it can also provide a sense of support during painful attacks. Focus on relaxation, connection and taking tender care of your loved one rather than “fixing” the condition.
Use Oils or Creams
Having smooth glides over the skin is important, as friction will cause discomfort. Massage oils and body lotions provide the needed slip. When muscles are not in spasm, using light circular motions can help soothe tension. Pay special attention to the arch of the foot and areas around the heel and toes.
Avoid certain areas
Areas that are severely inflamed, red or hot should be avoided completely during massage. Do not try to force range of motion in a joint that feels extremely tight or painful as this could worsen swelling or damage tissue. Instead, focus massaging the tissues around, not on top of, affected joints.
Check with a doctor first if...
Those who have certain medical conditions may need to avoid massage. Check with your doctor first if you have issues like bleeding disorders, low platelet counts, skin infections, bone fractures, open wounds or anything else that compromises local circulation and healing. Massage should not cause sharp joint, tendon or muscle pain at any time.
Try reflexology for gout
Though foot massage feels great, one massage technique shows promise in research for relieving gout pain. Reflexology applies manual pressure to specific points on the feet which correspond to areas of the body. Many reflexology charts highlight spots believed to influence the kidneys and urinary function - two systems impacted in gout.
A 2010 study found that people with gout who received eight reflexology sessions over two weeks reported significant decreases in pain, number of swollen joints, urine protein and blood markers of inflammation compared to standard drug treatment alone.
Reflexology should not replace medical care, but when performed properly by a qualified practitioner, it may complement gout treatment. Further studies are still needed.
Incorporating Foot Massage into Gout Management
While foot massage cannot cure gout, it can be part of an integrative plan for managing gout attacks when combined with medical care and healthy lifestyle habits. Key self-care tips include:
- Take all gout medications as directed by your healthcare provider to lower uric acid, reduce pain and prevent attacks.
- Avoid foods high in purines like shellfish, red meat, alcohol and high fructose foods to help prevent attacks.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, especially water, to help flush uric acid from the body.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Gently stretch and massage feet daily.
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling during acute attacks, followed by light foot massage once pain has subsided.
- Rest joints affected by gout flares until fully recovered before resuming activity.
- Wear supportive footwear.
By being proactive with conventional medical treatment, diet and self-care between attacks, those struggling with gout can better manage symptoms. Incorporating relaxing foot massages as part of your holistic pain relief routine may improve circulation, soothe aching feet and enhance overall wellbeing.
FAQs
Can massage cure gout?
No, massage cannot cure or treat the underlying cause of gout. However, gentle foot massage may temporarily help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation during acute gout attacks.
What parts of the feet should be massaged for gout?
Focus on massaging the fleshy areas of the feet, such as the heels, arches and balls. Avoid directly rubbing severely inflamed joints during an acute attack. Reflexology points linked to kidney and urinary function may also provide relief.
When should foot massage be avoided?
Those with bleeding disorders, skin infections, open wounds or fractures should avoid massage. Check with your doctor first if you have medical issues that affect circulation or healing. Also avoid massage over severely inflamed gout joints.
What massage techniques work best for gout?
Use light pressure and gentle, relaxing strokes. Check in with your massage partner about pressure. Smooth glides and slight circular motions work well when muscles are relaxed. Avoid friction, deep pressure and forcing tight joints through range of motion.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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