If you suffer from gout, the last thing on your mind is exercise. But exercise can be a saving grace from the pain. It’s an oxymoron that most gout sufferers encounter. The key is to start easy and work up to a tolerable level.

Exercise is very important for healing with gout. Slow and steady range of motion and gentle stretches can help improve circulation and ease pain and inflammation. You can work your way up to short walks, yoga and increased levels of activity. No matter what stage your gout is, exercise will be an important part of gout treatment. In the early stages, you may only feel like doing light stretches and increase to range of motion exercises. Range of motion consists of gently bending the joint back and forth and in small circles. You can increase the range of motion as tolerated. Yoga is an excellent exercise for stretching and range of motion together. It also enhances breathing and relaxation.

Just doing a little exercise every day can help to relieve gout pain and speed up healing time. It also increases your overall health and well-being.