person with feet pain caused by gout

Online gout diagnosis.

Have you been waking up at night with such extreme pain in your toe that it feels like it’s on fire? Don’t delay, connect with an online doctor today.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it at Tia Health.

Book now
person with feet pain caused by gout

Online gout diagnosis.

Have you been waking up at night with such extreme pain in your toe that it feels like it’s on fire? Don’t delay, connect with an online doctor today.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it at Tia Health.

Book now

What is gout?

Gout is a common type of arthritis that can occur very suddenly and is caused by a buildup of uric acid. The body is normally able to dissolve uric acid in the blood and pass it through the kidneys, however if your body produces too much, or the kidneys excrete too little, then the urid acid forms sharp crystals in the joint and surrounding tissues. Gout usually impacts the feet, especially the big toe, and sufferers of gout may experience sudden intense pain with the sensation that your toe is on fire.

What is gout?

Gout is a common type of arthritis that can occur very suddenly and is caused by a buildup of uric acid. The body is normally able to dissolve uric acid in the blood and pass it through the kidneys, however if your body produces too much, or the kidneys excrete too little, then the urid acid forms sharp crystals in the joint and surrounding tissues. Gout usually impacts the feet, especially the big toe, and sufferers of gout may experience sudden intense pain with the sensation that your toe is on fire.

person with hand pain caused by gout

A gout diagnosis is likely if you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms in your joints and you should visit your doctor:

  • Extreme pain and swelling

  • Heat and tenderness

  • Discomfort

  • Inflammation

  • Reduced motion

Are certain people more at risk of getting a gout diagnosis?

Yes, risk of gout is increased by the following factors:

  • Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease
  • Eating a lot of meat and seafood
  • Drinking beer, or fructose sweetened beverages, such as soda or fruit juice
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Being male. Men tend to have higher levels of uric acid than women and are at most risk between age 30-50. However, women’s level of uric acid increases after menopause.
  • Family history of gout
  • Joint injury

How can I prevent gout?

The following practices can help to prevent a gout diagnosis, including:

  • Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy bodyweight
  • Limiting alcohol intake
  • Reducing consumption of meat and fish and instead opting for low-fat dairy products to get your protein intake
  • Staying hydrated with water

When should I schedule an online doctor’s visit for gout?

As soon as you experience symptoms you believe may be gout you should visit your doctor. If left untreated, gout can cause joint damage and ongoing pain.

Is gout serious?

Gout can be serious if it leads to the development of other conditions, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Kidney stones
  • Recurrent gout which may lead to joint erosion or destruction
  • Advanced gout. If gout is not treated, this allows urate crystals (tophi) to build-up under the skin in numerous areas of the body causing them to be swollen or tender

How common is gout?

For men, gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis impacting 5.2% of Canadian men. It is less common for women, with approximately 2.4% of women in Canada suffering from gout.

What treatments are available for gout?

Gout treatment options vary depending on your symptoms and how severe they are:

  • Certain medications are designed to reduce the inflammation and pain whereas other medications help to prevent more gout attacks by lowering the body’s uric acid levels.
  • Your doctor may also recommend some lifestyle changes to help with ongoing prevention of gout.
  • Advanced gout may be treated with surgery to remove the tophi that have developed.

How do I prepare for my online gout appointment?

To ensure the physician can provide an accurate gout medication prescription during your appointment, you can help by noting down any concerns and answers in advance, along with any allergies they should be aware of.

What will my online gout appointment be like?

Appointments usually take between five to thirty minutes depending on the individual need. The online doctor will ask for a description of your symptoms. This will allow them to determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, they may recommend a follow-up appointment or a visit to a physical clinic.

How booking works.

“How do I connect with an online doctor about gout?”

Our virtual clinic is designed to provide you with secure, trusted and easy access to the advice and care you need when you need it.

Here is how to book an appointment:

Here is how to book an appointment:

Skip the waiting room and book a virtual clinic appointment instead

Step 1

Select which doctor you would like to see and whether you prefer a phone or video call. We have a variety of male and female doctors available to help you in a number of languages.

Step 2

Attend your virtual appointment from the comfort of your own home using your chosen method of communication. We do not require you to download any apps or programs.

Step 3

Receive guidance and gout treatment recommendations from the medical specialist. The doctor can share any necessary prescriptions with your chosen pharmacy, and you can opt to have medication delivered to your home for free or can collect in-person if preferred.

Book now

Have a question?

Services

Tia Health doctors' prescriptions are legitimate and are accepted by pharmacies. You can have your prescription delivered for free or sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pick-up.
Yes. Our telehealth platform connects you to a fully licensed Canadian physician. Just like an in-person visit, with telehealth, the doctor is responsible for understanding your case, medical history, and determining the appropriate treatment. If the doctor is not able to help you through telehealth, they may advise that you visit a clinic or hospital in-person.
Your privacy is our top priority, we use bank-level encryption and store data securely in Canada.
Click on the Book Now button to get started. You will then be prompted to select the type of consultation (video or phone), who the appointment is for (you or someone else), and which provider you would like to speak with. Lastly, you will be prompted to sign-up or login to confirm your appointment.
Yes! All Tia Health doctors are Canadian licensed physicians. You can verify the status of their license and view their credentials on the College of Physicians website for the province they are licensed. The city and province in which the physician practices is listed on their Tia Health profile which you will see while navigating the booking process.
Yes, we have a variety of doctors, male and female, doctors who speak different languages, and with different specialties.
If you have a family doctor working on the Tia Health platform, they may have telehealth availability. If not, check back soon as we are adding physicians weekly.

Pricing

Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance.
Through our partnership with Focus Mental Wellness, you can talk to a licensed and compassionate therapist via phone, video, or text. Focus therapy services don't require a doctor's referral and are covered by most extended health benefits. Sessions are usually available within a few days, and depending on your selected therapist's availability, same-day sessions are offered.
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and other online payment enabled cards.
Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance. If no coverage is available to you, then appointment pricing ranges depending on the appointment type you select. There are no time-based fees or additional fees if an appointment lasts longer than expected.
Get the best care from anywhere

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

Book now

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.