Walking is a simple form of exercise that puts little strain on the joints and is suitable for many people. However, there is currently no clear scientific evidence to confirm that walking can reduce uric acid levels in people with gout, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Regular exercise combined with a suitable diet will help to better control gout.
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A study published in the journal Metabolites analyzed the relationship between exercise, uric acid, and gout. The results did not show conclusive evidence that regular exercise directly impacts blood uric acid levels. However, moderate physical activity did help reduce the risk of gout.
Why is walking still beneficial for people with gout?
Although walking doesn't directly lower uric acid levels in the blood, it's still very beneficial for people with gout. Regular exercise helps with weight loss, prevents weight gain, and improves fitness and overall health. When combined with a suitable diet, these benefits contribute to better gout management.
Walking is also a relatively gentle form of exercise for the joints. When the condition is stable, this activity helps patients maintain mobility instead of having to restrict activity for a long time due to fear of gout recurrence.
How much walking is appropriate?
For patients with stable gout, they can start with short walks, such as 10-15 minutes at a time, and gradually increase the duration. The important goal is to maintain regular exercise without causing pain or overloading the joints.
Walking habits need to change when a patient is experiencing an acute gout attack. At this time, the joint is usually swollen, hot, red, and intensely painful. If the gout attack occurs in the toes, feet, ankles, or knees, walking will put additional pressure on the inflamed joint. Therefore, patients are advised to avoid exercise during an acute gout attack, rest, and only resume activity when the pain and swelling have subsided.
Patients are also advised to maintain physical activity between gout attacks. Low-impact forms of exercise such as walking or swimming are suitable once the condition has stabilized, according to Healthline .