Gout treatment
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness. Speak to a registered medical practitioner online within 15 minutes and get instant medical advice for managing gout flare-ups. 24/7 consultations available Australia-wide.
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When to consult a doctor for gout?
Gout is a condition that often requires medical attention to diagnose and treat it. You should see a doctor when you think one or more of your joints are swollen and painful. Here are some signs you should see a doctor when you have gout:
- Severe, sudden joint pain especially in the big toe
- Recurring gout flare-ups
- If gout attacks become more frequent or prolonged
- Difficulty with daily activities
- Signs of infection near the affected joint along with a fever
Please note: Gout can be managed through a healthy lifestyle, taking the right medicines or via telehealth. For severe symptoms, dial 000 or visit the nearest hospital.
Get an online doctor’s consultation for treatment, antibiotics, or medical advice instantly.
Gout treatment options
How does telehealth with an online doctor work?
Gout flare-ups often happen at night making it difficult to seek traditional healthcare. To book a telehealth appointment, select appointment type, fill in your details, and add payment through our secure gateway. You’ll be connected to an online doctor or a medical practitioner within 15 minutes. After the consultation, receive prescriptions via SMS, and referrals or medical certificates by email, if approved. Telehealth doctors on the other hand are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and can be accessed with the click of a button from anywhere in Australia. Here are some key benefits to availing telehealth services:
- Convenience: No need to travel with a painful joint, you can consult a medical practitioner from the comfort of your home within minutes
- Other services: Telehealth services such as Hola Health offers a variety of services such as telehealth appointments, online doctor’s certificates, instant scripts, online referrals, and pharmacy delivery
- Hassle-free: You can stop worrying about getting an appointment or waiting for hours at a clinic
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About gout
Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. This causes swelling and pain in your joints often due to the accumulation of urate crystals or uric acid in the joints. Acute gout can cause sudden and intense pain, sometimes at night. It usually occurs in the big toes, ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, or any other joints in the body. Men are three times more likely than women to develop gout, with men typically affected after age 40 and women after menopause due to the loss of estrogen’s protective effects.
Common causes of gout include:
- High uric acid in our blood
- Consuming a diet that increases uric acid levels
- Being overweight
- Genetics
- Some medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease
- Certain medications
Gout symptoms and risk factors
The symptoms of acute gout are often sudden inflammation and pain in a joint with restricted movement, warmth, redness, and swelling. In some cases, even after the gout attack subsides, the joint may feel sore for a few days to weeks. Many lifestyle factors and health conditions might increase the risk of gout including:
- Eating a diet rich in red meat and some seafood
- Eating excessive amounts of sugar
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Doing crash or fad diets
- Being obese
- Kidney disease
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure and more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC
Frequently asked questions
Can gout be cured?
What should I avoid eating if I have gout?
Avoid high-purine foods such as red meats, organ meats (liver, kidneys), certain seafood (like shellfish and anchovies), sugary drinks, and alcohol (especially beer). Opt for a low-purine diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Can an online doctor help with gout if the GP near me is unavailable?
How does online prescription work for gout?
A telehealth doctor can prescribe medications for gout. During a telehealth consultation, the doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine the best course of treatment. If a diagnosis of gout is made, they can prescribe medications required in the form of instant scripts or online prescriptions. The online script will then be sent to you through an SMS (eScript). You can dispense the medicine at the pharmacy or have it delivered via pharmacy online.
Can online referrals be provided for gout?
Although a physical joint examination may not be possible during an online consultation, a doctor can assess your symptoms and medical history to determine if you might have gout. If further testing is needed, the doctor can issue a referral for in-person tests, such as:
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Don’t see what you’re looking for? Speak to a health practitioner in just 15 minutes. Please note that some conditions and prescriptions may not be available.