Description

Gouty arthritis, or gout, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes recurring pain and swelling in the joints. It’s caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which forms needle-shaped crystals that can deposit in the joints, soft tissues, and bones. 

	Gouty arthritis
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in a joint
Common areas affected	Big toe, ankle, midfoot, knee, and bursa of the elbow
Flares	Periods of severe pain and swelling that usually last a week or two
Risk factors	Being older, male, overweight, or having certain health conditions
Treatments	Treatments are available to reduce symptoms during flares
Prevention	Lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent or reduce flares

Gout can lead to other health problems if left untreated, including:

• Kidney stones
• Kidney disease
• Narrowing of the arteries
• Osteoarthritis
• Increased risk of some cancers
• Mental health problems
• Underactive thyroid
• Erectile dysfunction 

Can Yoga & Meditation help manage Gouty Arthritis?

Yes, yoga and meditation can help manage gouty arthritis: 

• Yoga

Yoga can help with pain levels, mobility, and joint flexibility. Some yoga poses that may help with gout include: 

• Ardha matsyendrasana: The spinal twist pose can help reduce uric acid levels 

• Dhanurasana: The bow pose 

• Salabhasana: The locust pose 

• Ananda balasana: The happy baby pose 

• Viparita karani: The legs-up-the-wall pose 

• Meditation

Meditation can help with stress management, which can contribute to gout symptoms 

Yoga is a gentle exercise that can help people with arthritis improve their strength, flexibility, and fitness. It can also help people feel more empowered and confident.