How Do You Walk With a Cane When You Have Gout?

Being able to walk around freely can be a source of exercise and independence, but having gout changes everything. Gout causes immense pain and robs you of your mobility, but that doesn’t have to be the final outcome.

People who have gout must keep up with their exercise for the sake of their hearts and joints. Luckily, canes take pressure off your joints by giving you support while you are on your feet. In this guide, you will find the answer to the question: how do you walk with a cane when you have gout?

Take Your Time When Getting Back Into Exercise

Following a gout flare, you want to gradually start exercising again to avoid reinjuring yourself. For this reason, aquatic exercises are most suitable for a gout patient because they will minimize the impact on their joints. Less impactful aerobic exercises like walking on an elliptical machine are also beneficial for someone with gout.

However, the most crucial consideration is that you don’t want to overwork yourself when starting a new exercise routine. Therefore, stop exercising as soon as you start feeling foot pain and wait for it to subside before starting again.

Pick the Right Accessories for the State of Your Condition

Gout can spread from your big toe all the way up to your midfoot and ankle, so you want to wear the right shoes to support your feet. Gout patients sometimes need specialized footwear to modify their leg and foot alignment, and a physical therapist can recommend the best options.

In addition, you will need a cane to support you, and there are many available types of canes, depending on the severity of your condition. There are different designs for men’s canes and women’s canes, but they also have models for various medical conditions. There are canes with built-in seats that allow you to rest when walking becomes too much of a burden.

Stretch Your Joints Beforehand and Keep a Consistent Pace While Walking

In order to reduce pain before exercising, stretch out the joints in your foot to gain flexibility in your movements. Start by moving the joint forward slowly, then back, and finally stretching it around in a circle by rotating it comfortably.

After doing this a few times, you can begin walking with your cane at a slower pace to reduce pressure on your feet. You can gradually build up speed as you become more comfortable, and a faster pace will increase your heart rate for cardiovascular exercise.

Overall, you don’t have to let gout put your walking days behind you. You should now be able to safely answer the question: how do you walk with a cane when you have gout?