Swimming during an attack?
I am experiencing my first attack and wonder ifswimming would be helpful either in warm or colder water? I see whenI am on my foot too much the swelling and pain gets worse. But I liketo swim at my health club and thought maybe an easy swim in the coldwater would feel good on the painful area, since it is hot?
Malia Berthelette on May 2nd, 2007
When I am experiencing an attack I can’t possibly get to the pool for aswim, but as the attack subsides, while still painful, I have found laneswimming to be quite helpful. Hot tubs or the like are painful for me atthat stage, but cool water lane swimming helps take down the swelling - aslong as I only push off with my good foot.
I’ve heard others say that cold can trigger an attack for them, though, so Idoubt my experience is universal.
Terrance Molock on May 3rd, 2007
Hi..as a general rule of thumb..arthritic joints should beexercised..even when under discomfort.Gout joints under attack SHOULDNOT! be moved.The reasons are that the joint has crystals in it..(ornear it)and moving the joint usually only irritates the joint..ofteneither sending more white blood cells in there..or activating theones already there or nearby.Sometimes this can feel better at thetime..BUT the crystals can move around and the next thing you know isyou have MORE irritated areas of the joint. Swimming..ya I’m a great swimmer..NOT!! I don’t look like I weigh215 lbs..I’m pretty fit..can you say SINK!