Cycling UK Forum

I have suffered on and off with gout for a while.
First in the feet, then later in other joints, mainly in my hands.
I am on 200 mg Allopurinol a day.

I have been fine for a while, but have recently started riding again and at around the same time I have had a flare up in my fingers.

Correlation and causation, of course, but has any other gout victim had a flare up at roughly the same time as increased exercise levels?

Of course, we have also had a spell of fairly hot weather, so riding on a warm day may also be a factor.

Do you already have a list of things that can cause attacks?

And dehydration will definitely be on it.

Jonathan

Agree with Jonathan.

Dehydration can be a big issue, sometimes it is difficult to take in enough fluids in hot weather.

I use SIS hydro in hot weather plus loads of water and decaf drinks, whilst riding and at home after.

Did not know you could get Gout in the hands.

Halla wrote: ↑4 Aug 2024, 8:29am Did not know you could get Gout in the hands.

Any joint in the body. Of course some locations are more common than others.

Jonathan

I suffer from gout and find that dehydration guarantees a flare up. 200mg Alopurinal is ok and can be given in higher doses . However
as you may be aware re occurring gout permanently damages the joints leading to osteo . I would ask for a blood test for uric acid levels and without doubt address the dehydration . If the level is elevated you stand a better than average chance of kidney stones as these form on a crystal of uric acid . Don't ask how I have learnt this, the very painful way. The colour of urine is an approximate indicator of dehydration . You may also be aware of the things containing purines Namely some nice things spinach, legumes ,beer ,etc

Sorry if this is a stupid question as have no experience of gout, but have suffered from numb tingly hands from cycling, I think due to pressure and cutting off of circulation. Could this be confused with or exacerbate the gout symptoms possibly?

deeferdonk wrote: ↑5 Aug 2024, 8:21am Sorry if this is a stupid question as have no experience of gout, but have suffered from numb tingly hands from cycling, I think due to pressure and cutting off of circulation. Could this be confused with or exacerbate the gout symptoms possibly?

Not a stupid question if it helps with identifying the problem. : - )

One of the effects of gout is inflammation of joints. That's arthritis. But arthritis is also used to describe osteoarthritis and wear and tear.

Characteristics of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function. (Also available in Latin.)

So considering gout as the cause of inflammation of a joint is sensible. It's usually possible to take a bit of time over this in making the diagnosis, the exception being septic arthritis.

...

But numbness and tingling aren't typical of inflammation of joints. And cycling can cause these, with effects on nerves being more common than effects on blood vessels. The affected areas are often characteristic, which is why I ask for photos with a finger pointing to the affected area.

Have you sought medical advice yet?

Jonathan

NHS advice on gout:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gout/

In my case I have had medical advice and the dosage of Allopurinol was titrated against blood tests.

There are many possible triggers including beer, red meat etc.
However there don't seem to be any guaranteed triggers and I have been clear for a good few months now until this latest flare up.

Thankfully the most affected area (little finger on the left hand) seems to be improving now.
We shall see.

Hydration is a possibility but as far as I can tell I am staying hydrated, judging by the colour of my urine.

I was mainly looking for anecdotal evidence of cycling being associated with gout flare ups, but it looks as though most people only have it in the feet.

Uric acid cutting down on meat and fish might help.
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I ride Brompton,Hetchins 531

deeferdonk wrote: ↑5 Aug 2024, 8:21am Sorry if this is a stupid question as have no experience of gout, but have suffered from numb tingly hands from cycling, I think due to pressure and cutting off of circulation. Could this be confused with or exacerbate the gout symptoms possibly?

Thread here......viewtopic.php?t=35438

While Allopurinol is effective at controlling uric acid levels, physical exertion can temporarily increase uric acid production; this, along with the possibility of dehydration from riding in hot weather, may be creating the ideal storm for your symptoms. It's important to stay hydrated, especially when exercising. You may also want to talk to your doctor about modifying your dosage of Allopurinol or trying other preventive measures like dietary changes.