Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to reduce the effort and workload for individuals with gouty arthritis as follows:
Certain arrangements and minor modifications can help improve safety, reduce the effort and workload for individuals with gouty arthritis. Use of ergonomically designed tools can help improve independence and reduce the risk for exacerbation of arthritic pain.
- Individuals with poorly controlled gouty arthritis, especially involving the weight bearing joints, must plan most of their life on one level in the house. This helps with avoiding the stress of climbing stairs and uneventful falls.
- Use furniture of appropriate height, to help an easy lift up, while standing. Using chairs with longer legs and elevated seats can help avoid too much bending at the hips and knees and prevent worsening of pain in the weightbearing joints. This also helps maintain stability, while transitioning from standing to sitting position. Having armrests on the furniture also helps stability during sitting and standing up. The seat of the chair must be at least 2 inches higher than the back of the knee, to promote comfort and safety while attempting to sit. Using some firm blankets or cushion on the chair seat can help elevate the seat to the desired level.
- Gouty arthritis patients must avoid or minimize any activity requiring sudden position change. Pain and stiffness in the weightbearing joints in gouty arthritis patients can lead to poor balance and compromised safety. Individuals could also be taking lot of medications that can make them drowsy and confused, which complements the fall risk. Sudden change of position, such as, during bending down or sudden standing up from prolonged sitting, can lead to rapid fall in blood pressure numbers contributing to confusion and risk for fall.
