A combined approach of diet and physiotherapy should be integrated into the standard treatment protocol for gout.
Health practitioners should personalise dietary advice considering comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Physiotherapy regimens should focus on pain relief, improving mobility, and supporting weight loss in overweight patients.
These non-pharmacologic interventions may help reduce dependence on medication, improve patient outcomes, and provide holistic care for gout management.
Context
The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of diet and physiotherapy as supportive treatments for reducing gout-related symptoms. It aims to highlight how nutritional modifications and physiotherapy can alleviate joint pain, reduce uric acid levels, and improve the quality of life in patients suffering from gout.
Methods
Data was sourced using peer-reviewed journals and previously published articles.
The review included clinical research findings on gout management using:
- Dietary modifications
- Lifestyle changes
- Physiotherapy practices
Studies reviewed included RCTs, interventional studies, and systematic reviews.
Results
Dietary Findings:
- Diets high in complex carbohydrates, low protein, and low fat (particularly MUFA and PUFA) are beneficial.
- Reducing intake of purine-rich foods (e.g., red meats, organ meats, seafood) and sugary drinks helps lower uric acid levels.
- High fibre foods, dairy products, whole grains, and certain fruits (e.g., cherries, citrus fruits) show anti-inflammatory effects.
- Green tea, coffee and fish oil supplements can support uric acid reduction.
- Staying hydrated is crucial
Physiotherapy Findings:
- Reducing joint pain and inflammation by improving or maintaining joint range of motion is beneficial.
- Muscle strengthening of affected joints and enhancing mobility, particularly when walking becomes difficult due to joint pain.
- Supporting weight loss, which is critical since obesity is a major gout risk factor.
