Specialist Gout Treatment in Brisbane

Q: Why do gout attacks occur at night?

There has been much research conducted into why gout attacks at night; however, so far, there is no conclusive evidence. Researchers suggest that it could be due to decreased cortisone levels at night, a nocturnal drop in body temperature, increased breathing, and increased purine levels while resembling a rise.

Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing effective and compassionate care to help alleviate your pain and symptoms.

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What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid (your body’s normal waste product) builds up in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Gout can develop in anyone, but it is more common in men than women and is typically found in people over the age of 40.

ArthritisCARE is one of the leading specialists for gouty arthritis in Brisbane, offering effective treatment and holistic care for our patients.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that causes severe pain, redness, and inflammation, most often affecting your big toe first.

What causes gout?

Increased uric acid levels in the body are what cause gout and they can occur for a variety of reasons:

Genetics (hereditary)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes or glucose intolerance
Overweight or obese
Kidney disease
Kidney stones
Diuretic use (tablets that help your body rid itself of more water)
Poor diet
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption

These factors mean your body has either increased uric acid production or is no longer effectively flushing uric acid from your body. This extra uric acid turns into uric acid crystals (urate crystals), which accumulate in your body’s joints, leading to an acute “gout attack”, or exacerbated gout symptoms of redness, inflammation, and severe pain in the affected joint.

What are the signs and symptoms of gout?

Gout attacks can occur suddenly and last for several days or weeks. A gout attack will present as painful, red, and swollen joints that may elicit severe pain with even the lightest touch to the affected joint. You may notice other symptoms of:

Fever
Fatigue/malaise
A general feeling of unwellness

Commonly, gout will affect one joint at a time, usually starting with the big toe. It can then move to other joints, such as the hands, wrists, knees, ankles, and elbows.

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How do we diagnose gout?

At ArthritisCARE, we use a variety of diagnostic tests to confirm a gout diagnosis.

Physical examination
Medical history
A blood test to show increased uric acid levels, known as serum urate.
Joint fluid tests: to identify if urate crystals are present.

What is the available gout treatment that Brisbane patients can access?

There are several gout treatment options available to patients in Brisbane (and surrounding areas).

Gout treatment medication consists of one, or a combination, of:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Colchicine is effective in lowering uric acid levels and decreasing inflammation.
corticosteroid injections or tablets to reduce pain and swelling.

When you experience your first confirmed gout attack, the expert team at ArthritisCARE will tailor a treatment plan to help reduce the pain and inflammation.

Can you prevent gout?

At ArthritisCARE, we are committed to helping patients prevent further gout attacks. Our doctors work with you to develop a personalised plan that includes medication management and lifestyle modifications to control gout symptoms.

The main preventative measure is to monitor and lower your uric acid levels. To help achieve this, we recommend:

Medications to lower uric acid levels.
Limit how much alcohol you drink, and especially aim to avoid binge drinking.
If you are overweight, we suggest you aim for steady weight loss using a healthy, balanced diet and gentle exercises.
Reduce your intake of purine-rich foods as your body turns purine into uric acid—red meat, seafood, and yeast-containing foods.

How much does it cost for gout management in Brisbane?

The cost of gout management at ArthitisCARE varies depending on the type of treatment and tests required. For current prices and further information, you can read the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website.

Why choose ArthritisCARE to help you?

At ArthritisCARE, we have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating various cases of gout for many patients. We understand the challenges that come with living with gout, which is why our team is dedicated to providing holistic, specialised treatment plans to improve your quality of life as quickly as possible. Our team of skilled and experienced Rheumatologists can help you manage your symptoms and provide the care you need. Together, we can work towards making your life more comfortable and enjoyable.

Meet Dr. Peter Landsberg

Dr Peter Landsberg, the founder of ArthritisCARE, is a highly skilled and experienced Rheumatologist who has a special interest in treating inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue conditions. He established ArthritisCARE with the vision of creating a caring and collaborative environment where patients receive the best possible care. Our team of friendly doctors and support staff work together to provide the people of Brisbane and the wider area with exceptional care and support.

The ArthritisCARE team of rheumatoid specialists in Brisbane has many years of experience and offers you a choice of both male and female Rheumatologists in Brisbane. Our goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable working with us so that we can collaboratively treat your condition and significantly improve the way you feel. Each and every day.

Avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort. Contact us to set up an appointment for a comprehensive, expert medical review.

How to contact us

Find a gout specialist near me:

24 Railway Terrace (Corner of Pound Street) Dutton Park QLD 4102
(07) 3255 1066
(07) 3255 1533
admin@arthritiscare.com.au
Monday to Friday: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

FAQs

What is the most effective gout treatment?

The most effective gout treatment varies depending on the patient’s individual needs and past medical history. At ArthritisCARE, we offer a range of treatment options to help manage gout symptoms and prevent further gout attacks that are tailored to your specific needs and unique situation.

Can I get gout treatment from the chemist?

While some gout treatment is available over the counter from the chemist, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment. This is especially important in the presence of medical conditions such as kidney disease.

Can my local doctor treat gout?

Yes, many general practitioners (GPs) are trained to diagnose and treat gout. However, if you have a complicated case or aren’t confident in your local doctor, you can ask for a referral to a Rheumatologist for specialised management.

Can gout be prevented?

Yes, there are several strategies that can be used to prevent gout attacks, including changes in lifestyle factors, such as adopting a healthy diet and losing weight gradually, and medication management. We also suggest regular blood tests to monitor your levels of uric acid to help identify your risk of developing gout symptoms.

Who is most impacted by gout?

Men are more commonly affected by gout than women, typically in people over the age of 40. It is also associated with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, people with poor renal function, and high alcohol intake, especially beer.

What are the risk factors for gout?

The risk factors for developing this painful condition, gout, are a genetic predisposition, being male, aged over 40, having diabetes or glucose intolerance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney issues, being overweight or obese, and if you are taking diuretics.

What is the best diet to manage gout?

A healthy, well-balanced, and nutritious diet that is low in purines is the best diet to manage gout. Purine-rich foods include red meat, organic meat, seafood, and high-yeast-containing foods. The recommended alcohol intake is to avoid binge drinking and certain alcohols, especially beer, where possible.

Can gout be cured?

While there is no cure for gout, you can prevent further attacks by changing your lifestyle and taking the medication that your GP or Rheumatologist has recommended. If you have any concerns, please reach out to the friendly team at ArthritisCARE.

Can stress contribute to gout?

Gout is not usually caused by stress, although for some people it may be a trigger. By listening to your body and tracking your symptoms, you may be able to identify certain foods, drinks, or other factors that trigger further attacks.

Why do gout attacks occur at night?

Learn more about Gout:

Arthritis Australia’s Gout Resources page
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/gout/

Arthritis Australia’s Printable Information Sheet about Gout
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArthAus_Gout_1705.pdf

Arthritis Australia Booklet: Taking Control of your Gout
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Gout-2019-FIXED.pdf

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