Have you noticed how many “gout” remedy commercials have been on TV lately? Gout is on the rise and according to an article on Web MD, gout incidence in the U.S. more than doubled from the 1960s to 1990s and now affects 8.3 million people in the US.
Gout causes severe pain and swelling in the joints caused by a build-up of uric acid. This is sometimes caused by obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and blood fat issues — and may increase risk of heart attack and diabetes. The researchers in this article cite that to help prevent gout, risk factors such as alcolohol intake, obesity, and high blood pressure can be monitored and changed. Daily exercise and limited intake of red meat and sugary beverages are also recommended.
Massage Magazine further cites an article from the website of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine that states, “While at present, there are no cures for gout, massage can help to control the symptoms of gout and aid sufferers in maintaining a normal lifestyle whenever they experience a gout flare-up.”
Massage Therapists should be aware that their clients may be suffering from symptoms of gout or rheumatoid arthritis and that both of these diseases cause the patient to be more sensitive in the joints. For gout sufferers, these symptons generally present in the extremeties such as the metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe.
Massage improves the circulation of blood to gout affected jounts and the surrounding muscular tissue but often, deep tissue massage is too painful for most gout sufferers. It is thought that massage may break up the uric acid crystals that cause joint pain. Patients with gout should work with their doctors to ensure that the appropriate changes in diet and exercise are taking place to reduce gout flare-ups.