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Gout is a common form of arthritis characterised by pain and swelling in the joints of the foot. These symptoms are often exacerbated with movement,making everyday activities such as walking and even sleeping quite difficult. Treating the condition often involves medication and lifestyle changes - however, studies have found red light therapy to be a possible alternative treatment. This article delves into causes and symptoms of gout and how red light therapy at home can aid in its management.
Gout is one of the oldest known types of arthritis, with some of its earliest descriptions dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Historically, it was given the moniker “the disease of kings” or “rich man’s disease” because of its connection to rich foods and high alcohol consumption. However, with modern medicine, gout is now known not to discriminate solely based on socioeconomic status and is directly related to uric acid metabolism.
In Australia, gout is a common disease affecting 224,000 Australians which accounts for almost 1% of the general population according to recent data from 2022. The disease was also recorded as the underlying or associated cause of 0.3% of all deaths in the same year.
The body naturally produces uric acid to break down a chemical called purine. The kidneys then filter the uric acid from the blood, and excretes it through pee. However, sometimes, the body makes too much uric acid or the kidneys are not able to filter them out quickly enough. This leads to high levels of uric acid, in the body which builds up as uric acid crystals in the joints. When they clump together, they stimulate the stabbing pain that most individuals with gout feel.
High purine levels are often found in common foods in the Australian diet like red meat, shellfish, prawns, and beer. Other Australian dietary factors related to higher levels of uric acid include the high consumption of sugary drinks and high fructose corn syrup, both of which are related to an increased risk of gout.
Another factor to consider is the occurrence of obesity, which affects 65.8% of Australian adults. Research has found that excessive body fat is linked to the production of too much uric acid, and its inadequate secretion due to insulin resistance often accompanying obesity. Without proper intervention, this can lead to an alarming rise in gout attacks in the next few years.
Acute gout attacks are characterised by sudden, sharp pains on a joint accompanied by swelling, redness, and marked tenderness. For some, the pain is so intense that even the lightest touch of a bedsheet can cause severe reactions.
The most common site for attacks is the small joint at the base of the big toe, however, it can also affect other joints such as the knees, ankles, fingers, wrists, and elbows. They can last between several hours to several days with the possibility of recurrent episodes over the years.
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilises specific wavelengths of red light to encourage biological healing and rejuvenation through the stimulation of the cellular repair process. When used as an alternative treatment to help alleviate gout symptoms, it targets specific factors.
Red light therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. By targeting the affected tissue or joint, this treatment can suppress the inflammatory response accompanying gout and alleviate symptoms. This not only allows relief to the afflicted individual but also promotes faster tissue healing.
Red light therapy offers analgesic effects by modulating nerve and cell activity at the pain source. Consequently, the treatment also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Together, these all provide relief for gout-related pain. A 2006 study mirrors this result stating that red light therapy achieved the same rapid pain relief effects in patients with acute gouty arthritis as the medication diclofenac.
Studies have shown that red light therapy enhances microcirculation and vasodilation, allowing proper nutrient exchange and waste removal in target areas of the body. This can aid in the clearance of uric acid crystals from the joints, decreasing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. It also facilitates the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to the affected area while removing inflammatory substances and metabolic waste.
When the body’s cells are exposed to red light therapy, the mitochondria is prompted to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is a key factor in cellular repair and metabolism. This increase in ATP encourages biological repair processes including tissue repair and accelerated healing in damaged or illness affected areas such as the joint tissues affected by gout.
Research covering the use of red light therapy specifically to treat gout is limited, however, current studies about the treatment’s overall benefits shows that it can serve as a complementary therapy for gout symptoms. However, lifestyle factors like diet modification and controlled alcohol consumption are still crucial in the management of gout in the Australian population. Done together, these two methods can aid in gout prevention and help improve the quality of life for those suffering from it.
If you want to know more about the benefits of red light therapy or if you're interested in owning your own red light therapy at home, contact us at ROJO today!
