Relieve Gout Pain With Self Massage

Gout is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. The condition can cause so much discomfort that it can disrupt the afflicted person's sleep and ability to move around. In its most simplistic explanation, gout is a condition where uric acid crystallizes and settles in the joints because the body is unable to naturally get rid of the excess. Gout tends to affect the feet and hands the most.

Massage therapy can be used to treat the pain because it promotes blood circulation which can reduce swelling and inflammation. Massage therapy will not get rid of the problem and if you would like long term pain relief, you should make sure you modify your diet and get enough exercise. Diet modifications include reducing foods rich in protein, avoid coffee (and other products with caffeine) and limiting alcohol. Make sure you drink enough water, six to eight eight-ounce glasses a day.

It's not necessary to hire a professional massage therapist to enjoy the benefits of massage for gout. This can be costly and not everyone has insurance to cover the expenses. It's possible to enjoy the benefits of massage by learning a few moves yourself.

Prepare

If you have a problem with foot odor, you may want to wash your feet with warm water and soap before beginning the massage. The warm water can also help loosen the joints and ease the pain. Expect the massage to initially hurt since your joints are red and inflamed. Make sure you wash your hands as well to discourage the spread of bacteria. Choose a comfortable place to sit that allows you to lean back and rest your back while you massage your feet.

The Massage

It's easier to learn how to massage your foot if you use your dominant hand. This means if you're right-handed, begin massage with your left foot. If you're left-handed, begin massage on your right foot. A right-handed massage is used for this description.

Lay your left foot on its side on your right knee. Relax your hips and much as you can. With the fleshy part of your left thumb apply firm and even pressure to the base of your big toe. You can find the best position by looking for the thick pad on the sole of your foot. This is the ball of your foot. The place where you want to place your thumb is located between the ball of your foot and your big toe. Applying pressure might hurt, so feel free to ease the amount of pressure you're applying. Rub your thumb in a small clockwise position for about five minutes.

Use your index finger and thumb and slowly rotate each toe. Use your thumb to massage the base of each toe the same way you massaged the base of your big toe.

Next, move your thumb to the outside of your foot halfway between your heel and the base of your smallest toe. Rub this area is small circular motions for five minutes. Repeat on your other foot.