10 Symptoms of Gout

By tallene

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Goodman CC, Fuller KS. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. 3rd ed. Saint Louis, MO: Saunders; 2009.
• 2. Schlesinger N, Detry MA, Holland BK, Baker DG, Beutler AM, Rull M, Hoffman BI, Schumacher HR Jr. Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty arthritis. J Rheumatol 2002; 29(2): 331-334

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Symptom #10: Limited Range of Motion

According to the British Society for Rheumatology, “intra-articular tophi limiting the knee joint range of motion is a rare but important cause of walking disability in gout patients”¹Goodman CC, Fuller KS. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. 3rd ed. Saint Louis, MO: Saunders; 2009.. It is important to receive MRI tests in order to distinguish the subcutaneous tophi over the knee. It is difficult to diagnose based on a physical examination and it is important to not overlook.

Physical therapists and trainers should be aware of any patients with a history of gout. During acute gout episodes, the physical therapist should focus on managing and assisting to protect the affected joints. Research suggests that cryototherapy, or “cold treatment,” may help to alleviate the pain associated with acute bouts of gout²Schlesinger N, Detry MA, Holland BK, Baker DG, Beutler AM, Rull M, Hoffman BI, Schumacher HR Jr. Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty arthritis. J Rheumatol 2002; 29(2): 331-334. A suitable exercise routine and keeping weight under control are two necessary components to staying active while suffering from gout.