Gout

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Speak to a registered medical practitioner online within 15 minutes, 24/7 and get instant medical advice for managing gout flare-ups.

This guide does not replace professional care. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately.

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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

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When should I 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.

Causes of gout

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

Can gout be cured?

While gout has no cure, it can be managed effectively with the right treatment. Medications and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and prevent complications.

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?

Yes, an online doctor can help diagnose gout, give medical advice, and write online prescriptions. Hola Health’s online doctors are available 24/7, ensuring you can access a doctor within 15 minutes anytime you need them.

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:

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 the 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

How can we help?

We provide a fast and convenient way for you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your phone or any smart device. Using our secure telehealth platform, you can have a video call with a registered health practitioner or a doctor on-demand in 15 minutes or less. We’re open every day, 24 hours a day – including public holidays – because we know mental health conditions, illness and injury can happen anytime, day or night, and need immediate medical attention.

Much like an in-person GP clinic, our telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:

pre-existing conditions, family history and lifestyle.
preferred treatment options and how to access them.
individualised advice to manage your condition.
referrals or scripts for various conditions (if required) at the discretion of the doctor.

Talk to a doctor today

Telehealth helps you connect with an AHPRA-licensed online doctor within minutes. Hola Health provides 24/7 access to qualified medical practitioners in Australia within 15 minutes for:

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