Conquering Gout

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It commonly affects the big toe but can also occur in other joints like the ankles, knees, and wrists. This condition leads to intense pain, swelling, and redness, making even simple movements difficult. 

Causes and Symptoms

Gout occurs when excessive uric acid accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. Several factors contribute to gout, including:

• Diet: High-purine foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol can increase uric acid levels.
• Obesity: Excess weight contributes to higher uric acid production.
• Medical Conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease can increase the risk of gout.
• Genetics: A family history of gout raises susceptibility.
• Medications: Certain diuretics and aspirin can lead to higher uric acid levels.

Common symptoms of gout include:

• Sudden and severe joint pain, often occurring at night
• Redness and swelling in the affected area
• Limited joint mobility due to pain and inflammation
• Warmth and tenderness around the joint

The Role of Physical Therapy in Gout Management

• Pain Relief Techniques: Therapists use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and ice therapy to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Improved Joint Mobility: Gentle stretching exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Strength Building: Strengthening the muscles around affected joints can improve stability and reduce stress on inflamed areas.
• Balance and Coordination Training: This is essential for individuals who experience mobility issues due to gout pain.

How Occupational Therapy Enhances Daily Function

• Adaptive Techniques: Therapists teach ways to modify movements to reduce strain on painful joints.
• Assistive Devices: Use of braces, shoe inserts, or ergonomic tools to minimize discomfort.
• Energy Conservation Strategies: Learning how to pace activities and avoid unnecessary stress on the body.
• Home and Workplace Modifications: Ergonomic adjustments can make tasks easier and more comfortable.

Managing gout requires a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and therapeutic interventions. Physical therapy helps with mobility and pain relief, while occupational therapy enhances daily function and independence.

 If you suffer from gout, seeking professional therapy can improve your quality of life and help you regain control over your movements. 

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today! Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic therapy, located throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan can help . 

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021  Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005  Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

 In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy 

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.