Description

Regular exercise is an important component of gout management, contributing to weight control, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. A large prospective study by Williams (2008) found that running and other vigorous exercises were associated with a lower risk of gout. The study showed that men who ran more than 8 km per day had a 50% lower risk of gout compared to those who ran less than 3.5 km. A review by Keenan et al. (2013) highlighted the potential benefits of exercise in reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity, both of which can impact uric acid levels. However, it's important to note that intense exercise can temporarily increase serum urate levels and potentially trigger a gout attack in some individuals. A study by Perez-Ruiz et al. (2014) found that while moderate exercise was beneficial, high-intensity exercise could pose risks in some gout patients. The ACR guidelines (Khanna et al., 2012) recommend regular exercise as part of a comprehensive gout management strategy, emphasizing the importance of starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity to avoid potential flares.