There is a specific technique used in reflexology called “thumb walking” whereby the practitioner users their thumbs and fingers to “walk” across specific zones on the feet or hands. It is this technique (combined with pressure) that helps to break down the uric acid or calcium crystals.
Allopurinol is the most popular drug, as it blocks the production of uric acid; febuxostat also works in a similar manner. Other medications include probenecid and lesinurad, which help the kidneys remove uric acid, and pegloticase, which breaks down uric acid.
If you produce too much uric acid or your kidneys don't filter enough out, it can build up and cause tiny sharp crystals to form in and around joints. These crystals can cause the joint to become inflamed (red and swollen) and painful.
Drink at least 10-12 eight-ounce glasses of non-alcoholic fluids daily, especially if you have had kidney stones. This will help flush the uric acid crystals out of your body.
Untreated gout may cause deposits of urate crystals to form under the skin in nodules called tophi (TOE-fie). Tophi can develop in several areas, such as your fingers, hands, feet, elbows or Achilles tendons along the backs of your ankles.
Daily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine can be taken to supress inflammation while the ongoing treatment begins to reduce the levels of uric acid. It can take up to 2 years for crystals to be completely cleared from the body, so people may continue to have attacks during this time.
The key hypothesis is that these urate crystals dissolve on warming. Hence, by warming the joint concerned in hot water, and moving the joint around to encourage diffusion, the urate concentration is reduced and crystals no longer form, provided the treatment is continued.
Our Approach to Gout Treatment
The ideal massage for gout is going to target the high uric acid levels in the blood and flush them from the body. The good news is that pretty much all massage modalities improve your blood flow, and healthy circulation plays a crucial role in muscular health.
The cause of abnormal deposits of CPPD crystals in cartilage is often unknown. CPPD crystals may be seen associated with some underlying disorders such as injury to the joint, hyperparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatasia, hypothyroidism and hemochromatosis.
Painless Cracking
Some of the things that may cause your feet to crack without causing you pain include: Escaping gases—the bones in our joints are surrounded by synovial fluid that lubricates and prevents bones from rubbing against each other. Synovial fluid contains oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
Uric acid crystals often remain trapped in these porous surfaces and release a strong ammonia-like odour. Humid conditions or wetting the surface can also reactivate the odour. Clorox® Urine Remover uses hydrogen peroxide to remove uric acid crystals and break down the source of the odour.
The general belief is that drinking several glasses of water per day mixed with baking soda will help reduce the amount of uric acid in the body. However, there is little clinical research to suggest that baking soda is an effective treatment for gout.
Some examples of foods that have high levels of oxalate include peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, Swiss chard, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Limiting intake of these foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones which is the leading type of kidney stone.
Uric acid crystals are characterised by their needle shape and strong double refraction in polarised light, whereas crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, which are found in chondrocalcinosis, have a more rhomboid appearance and limited birefringence (2, 3).
If you have osteoarthritis, the concentration of calcium pyrophosphate is increased, making it more likely that crystals will form.
Answer: Gout is a fairly common form of arthritis. Between 1 and 2 percent of the US population suffers from this disease. The Arthritis Foundation recommends regular massage to significantly reduce the pain associated with all forms of arthritis.
In gout, reduction of SUA to normal levels results in disappearance of urate crystals from SF, requiring a longer time in those patients with gout of longer duration. This indicates that urate crystal deposition in joints is reversible.
Drinking plenty of water will help the body flush out the buildup of urate, which creates uric acid crystals that build up in your joint and causes inflammation and pain.
The Best Way to Treat a Gout Attack
Standard medical treatments for a gout attack include: Anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen (which can be purchased over the counter or in prescription strength) Colchicine, which reduces uric acid build-up. Steroids, such as prednisone.
If your gout pain is unbearable even with the recommended over-the-counter treatments, prescription anti-inflammatories like Indomethacin and Colchicine may be needed. A short course of a corticosteroid like prednisone or methylprednisolone can also be helpful.
Despite this, walking during a gout flareup is safe, and it may even help reduce pain. When walking, it is important to wear supportive, comfortable shoes and to move slowly so as not to exacerbate your joint pain.