Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for Gout Arthritis – Single case study report

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes joint pain. Gout is a painful and potentially disabling form of arthritis. The first symptoms usually are intense episode of painful swelling in single joints, most often in the first metatarsal joint. The swollen site may be red and warm. The objective of this study to evaluate the effectiveness of Physical therapy intervention in 30 years old men with a two year of gouty arthritis. Clinical investigation shows elevated uric acid level in the blood.
Radiological findings show trophy changes in the first metatarsal joints. The study involved pre assessment phase, 2 weeks of treatment phase and 2 weeks of home exercise phase. Pain assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Functional disability of the foot was measured by the foot function index (FFI). Physical therapy interventions are followed such as heat therapy, mobilization, and Theraband strength training. Following treatment visual analysis revealed beneficial effects on pain and functional disability. Their improvement was maintained over the home exercise phase and at the 1 month follow up.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis associated with pain and impaired quality of life. This single case report study would suggest that physiotherapy management could be an effective treatment for gout arthritis in various stages. Significant changes have been found in the clinical manifestations after application of various physical therapy interventions in this participant. Improving quality of life in the gout arthritis subjects is a challenging part while management advised conservatively, as well the importances of physiotherapy should be major concerned in the future.