This article will review the benefits of exercises for gout and exercises to avoid.

If left untreated, gout can lead to irreversible joint damage and chronic pain.

Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are key for managing gout.

Man doing yoga in living room

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This can help lower the risk of gout flare-ups and decrease pain.

Types of Activities to Try

Low- and moderate-impact activities are recommended to reduce stress at painful joints.

Certain movements can be irritating to your joints and may increase your pain.

During Flares

Gout flare-upsare characterized by a sudden onset of joint inflammation, pain, and swelling.

During gout flares, it is best to avoid repetitive movements of affected joints.

During gout flare-ups, its best to rest.

Its better to rest and let your symptoms ease.

High-impact exercise is associated with a short-term increase in uric acid levels, which can worsen symptoms of gout.

Movements to avoid include high-impact sports and running and jumping exercises.

Examples of mobility exercises are:

In addition to mobility exercises, strengthening exercises can be helpful for gout.

Strengthening muscles around your joints can help stabilize the joints.

This can help keep them supported, and can prevent the strain from daily activities.

Regular exercise should be a part of your weekly, or even daily, routine to stay healthy.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week.

This can be achieved with 30 minutes of exercise per day for five days a week.

Low- or moderate-intensity exercise, like walking, cycling, and tai chi, can benefit your body.

Avoid high-intensity exercise to decrease aggravating your joints.

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