Gout attacks often happen in the middle of the night. In fact, a gout attack is 2.4 times more likely to occur during the night or early morning, according to the Arthritis & Rheumatology journal. These attacks can last for a few days or even longer, causing the affected joint to become:
- Swollen
- Red
- Very tender
When gout attacks interrupt your sleep, it can also disrupt your day. Sleep is essential for healing, and when you don’t get enough sleep, your body struggles to fight inflammation, which continues the vicious cycle of gout attacks. That’s why it’s crucial to find ways to stop your gout pain at night. Not only will it help you feel better, but it will also give your body a chance to heal.Â
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. It happens when too much uric acid builds up in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that your body normally removes. When there’s too much of it, it can form crystals in your joints, causing a lot of pain. Although gout isn’t as common as other types of arthritis, it still affects 9.2 million Americans. Men are more likely to experience gout than women, and it usually starts after the age of 30.Â
The main symptom of gout is a sudden, severe pain in a joint, usually the big toe. The pain can be so intense that it may feel like your joint is on fire. Other symptoms of gout can include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Fever
Several factors can contribute to gout, including:
- Diet — Consuming too much red meat, seafood or alcohol can increase your risk of gout.
- Genetics — If your family has a history of gout, you may be more likely to develop it.
- Medication — Certain medications can increase your risk of gout, such as diuretics and aspirin.
- Medical conditions — Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease can also increase your risk of gout.Â
Why gout often strikes at night
Unlike most conditions that can ease at night, gout can get worse. A few factors for why gout attacks are more likely to happen at night include:
- Body temperature — Your body temperature naturally drops at night. This decrease in temperature can help uric acid crystals form more easily.
- Dehydration — Many people drink less water at night, leading to dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can increase the risk of uric acid crystals forming.
- Sleep position — Certain sleep positions, like sleeping on your stomach, can put pressure on your joints and increase the risk of gout attacks.
- Cortisone levels — Changes in cortisone levels, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can also influence gout. Cortisone can help reduce inflammation. Cortisone levels rise during the day but drop while you sleep, which can increase your pain from inflammation.
- Breathing changes — When you sleep, your breathing patterns slow down, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide you exhale. This can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in your blood. Higher levels can make it easier for uric acids to form, increasing your risk of an attack.
- Sleep apnea — People with obstructive sleep apnea are 1.86 times more likely to develop gout. Sleep apnea can lead to lower oxygen levels in the blood and disrupt sleep, both of which can increase the risk of gout.Â
The combination of these factors can make it more likely for gout attacks to happen during the night, disrupting your sleep and causing you significant discomfort. If you’re experiencing frequent gout attacks, it’s important to seek treatment, such as physical therapy. Physical therapy can be an beneficial option to managing and reducing gout symptoms.Â
Finding relief from gout pain at night
There are several strategies you can try to help reduce gout pain and improve your sleep quality:
- Raise your foot — Elevating your affected joint can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Take medications — Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Apply ice — Applying ice to the affected joint can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Stay hydrated — Drinking plenty of water can help prevent uric acid crystals from forming.
- Watch your diet — Limiting your intake of red meat, seafood and alcohol can help reduce your risk of gout attacks.
- Go to physical therapy — Physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing gout pain and improving joint function. Techniques that can help relieve gout include:
- Joint mobilization
- Therapeutic exercises
- Neuromuscular retraining
- Class IV laser therapy
- Exercise regularly — Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of gout and improve your overall health.
- Practice good sleep hygiene — Establishing a regular bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help improve sleep quality.
- Consider drinking coffee — Some studies suggest that coffee may help reduce the risk of gout attacks.Â
It’s important to consult with a health care professional, such as a physical therapist, to determine the best approach for managing your gout. By combining strategies, you can help reduce gout pain and improve your quality of life.
Take your first steps toward gout relief with REPAIR SI
At REPAIR SI, we are committed to providing effective and personalized care for people dealing with gout pain. Our experienced physical therapists understand the unique challenges associated with this condition and are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. We’ll work closely together to understand your symptoms, goals and concerns. By combining a variety of techniques, we can create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs to help you:
- Reduce pain and discomfort
- Improve joint function and mobility
- Prevent future gout attacks
- Enhance your overall quality of life
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.