Treat painful gout flares online with help from Dr. B

Question 1

What is gout?

Answer

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. It’s caused by higher-than-normal uric acid levels in the joints and other areas. It typically creates sudden or unexplained severe joint pain, stiffness and swelling (often in the hands and feet). Many people also experience redness, joint tenderness, swelling or intense pain in the toes (usually the big toe), knees, ankles or fingers. Some people have frequent attacks (or flares). Others go years without experiencing an episode.

Question 2

What causes gout?

Answer

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid—a natural waste product from the digestion of purines in food. High levels of uric acid in the blood can form urate crystals. These may accumulate in the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, stiffness and redness. Certain purine-rich foods—like red meat, organ meat, fatty seafood and alcoholic beverages—promote high uric acid levels.

Question 3

Is gout an autoimmune disease?

Answer

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that happens when uric acid levels in the blood become too high. It is not an autoimmune disease. (Autoimmune diseases attack healthy cells.)

Question 4

What are the risk factors for gout?

Answer

Men typically have higher levels of uric acid, and so are more likely to develop gout. In women, it is more common to develop after menopause, when uric acid levels rise. People with conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension and those with a family history of gout are more likely to develop it. Also, those who eat a diet high in animal protein or consume a lot of alcohol.

Question 5

What are the best ways to manage gout?

Answer

Taking the right gout medicine can help manage symptom flares. Some lifestyle changes can reduce foot problems and other symptoms, too. Reduce alcohol intake and stay physically active. Avoid high-purine foods and eat more whole grains, vegetables and low-purine proteins (like eggs). Talk to a gout specialist about other lifestyle changes that can help improve your condition.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of a bunion vs gout?

Answer

A bunion is a protruding bump that forms at the base of the big toe. It can also cause a sudden onset of foot pain, persistent discomfort in the toes and swelling in the big toe joint. Both conditions can create difficulty walking due to foot pain.

But there are some differences between the conditions. Here’s what to look for:

A bunion usually affects only the big toe. Gout can cause pain in other joints like the fingers or knees.
Gout often flares at night, causing night-time foot discomfort and other painful symptoms.
A bunion causes a specific, protruding bump on the base of the big toe.

Question 7

What are the prescription treatments available for gout?

Answer

Nonsteroidal treatments include Colchicine (and its brand equivalents Colcrys and Mitigare) and Indomethacin (and its brand equivalent Tivorbex). Steroids for gout include Prednisone and its brand equivalent Rayos.

Dr. B can help you get a prescription for Colchicine online, Indomethacin online and Prednisone online through our virtual health platform. Fill out an online health assessment, sharing your health history and symptoms. A licensed medical provider will review your treatment. If they find a prescription medication appropriate, they will send it to your pharmacy of choice.

Question 8

How long does gout last?

Answer

A gout flare-up can last 1-2 weeks without treatment or about 3 days with treatment. There is no cure for this inconvenient and painful condition. But the right treatment and lifestyle changes can prevent future flare-ups.

Question 9

How is gout treatment taken?

Answer

Treatments are taken orally via tablet, capsule or oral solution. Be sure to clearly follow the gout treatment guidelines given by your doctor or pharmacist.

Question 10

What are common gout treatment side effects?

Answer

Common side effects of gout pills and other medications include diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, swelling and stomach bloating. In most cases, these lessen or go away when the body adjusts to the medications.

Question 11

How much does gout treatment cost?

Answer

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation fee costs $15, which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use health insurance for any resulting prescription at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill your prescription. Your medication price will vary depending on your health insurance coverage and whether the drug is brand or generic.

Question 12

Do you accept insurance?

Answer

Right now, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.