Gouty arthritis and cryotherapy in a manual practitioner: an imaging case review.

Abstract

Gout is a common inflammatory joint disease typically diagnosed in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. However, its atypical involvement of axial and peripheral joints can pose challenges in its diagnosis and treatment. We present imaging findings of a 67-year-old male with long-standing polyarticular gout managed with pharmacological interventions and cryotherapy. This case explores the effects of cryotherapy as an adjunct for pain management in gouty arthritis, suggesting its potential therapeutic value in reducing inflammation and improving return to activities of daily living as well as an overview of technique alteration that manual therapists may employ.