Gout and Reflexology

Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the kidneys which moves to other parts of the body.  The most common spot is the large toe but other common areas of the body where inflammation builds are the knees, elbows, wrist, shoulders or other joints.  The pain felt is usually intense, the swelling is often red and painful to the touch and builds up over a 24 hour period.  The cause can often be poor circulation or poor kidney function or simply a kidney that needs rehydrating and one of the best ways to prevent a further attack of gout is to increase your water intake up to two litres per day every day.  Some people are just more inclined to get gout than other people.  Foods to avoid are alcohol, caffeine, sugar drinks, fatty processed foods and an overabundance of red meat.  A bout may start following a change to your diet or a reduction in exercise activity.

Reflexologists work on the hands and the feet and some reflexologists work on the ears and the face.  During a bout of gout in the big toe most clients cannot cope with a reflexologist working on the inflamed foot.  As reflexologists have alternative ways of working, during a flare up of gout a reflexologist will often work on the hand to reduce the swelling.