Gout and Autoimmune Disease Care in Miami, Florida
Living with the sharp pain of a gout flare, or the day-to-day fatigue and stiffness of an autoimmune condition can derail your routine. At Brickell Rheumatology Wellness Center in Miami, we combine evidence-based care with a whole-person approach to help you control flares, protect your joints, and feel better long-term.
Dr. Bojana Jovanovic of Brickell Rheumatology Wellness Center recognizes the impact gout and autoimmune diseases can have on your life. She provides personalized care to help you take charge of your health. Located in Miami, our clinic focuses on addressing the root causes of these conditions while promoting overall wellness. Dr. Jovanovic listens to her patients and creates tailored plans to meet their individual needs.
Fast Relief for Gout, Long-Term Control for Autoimmune Conditions
Whether you’re seeking urgent help for a gout attack or ongoing management for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriatic arthritis, you’ll leave with a clear plan and practical next steps.
Understanding Gout
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals cause pain, swelling, and discomfort. Although it often begins in the big toe, gout can also affect the ankles, knees, wrists, and other joints.
Symptoms of Gout
- Sudden, severe pain in a joint
- Swelling and redness around the affected area
- Warmth or tenderness in the joint
- Limited movement during flare-ups
Causes of Gout
Gout often develops when certain lifestyle or dietary factors increase uric acid levels in the body. These factors may include:
- Eating foods rich in purines, such as red meat and shellfish
- Drinking alcohol or sugary beverages
- Carrying excess weight
- Taking specific medications
Managing Gout Flare-Ups
To manage a gout flare-up, focus on reducing inflammation and relieving pain through rest, ice application, and anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system misidentifies healthy cells as threats, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and potential damage to organs and tissues. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis are common examples.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Skin rashes or lesions
- Digestive issues
Living with Autoimmune Diseases
- Managing autoimmune diseases requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle adjustments, medication, and stress management. By understanding your illness and working closely with a functional rheumatologist, you can better manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How We Approach Gout and Autoimmune Disease Care

At Brickell Rheumatology Wellness Center, our care focuses on treating both gout and autoimmune diseases holistically. We collaborate closely with our patients to design personalized treatment plans that address their needs.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive Assessments: We take the time to understand your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms thoroughly.
- Root Cause Analysis: Our goal is to identify underlying factors contributing to your condition.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Every patient receives a tailored strategy for managing their health challenges effectively.
The Importance of Personalized Care
Personalized care means that we don’t just treat your symptoms; we work to understand the triggers and how to prevent future flare-ups. This approach empowers you to take control of your health and make informed decisions about your care.
Treatment Options for Gout and Autoimmune Disease Care
Lifestyle Modifications
Changing your daily habits can greatly enhance your symptoms:
- Dietary adjustments. Emphasize an anti-inflammatory pattern (fruits, vegetables, high-fiber foods) and adequate hydration. Limit high-purine items if you have gout.
- Exercise. Low-impact activity (walking, swimming, yoga) can ease stiffness and support mood; avoid stressing a joint in an active flare.
- Stress management. Simple daily routines—paced breathing, mindfulness, consistent sleep—can help some patients manage symptoms.
Medications
Gout: Therapies for acute flares plus urate-lowering medications to prevent future attacks and joint damage.
Autoimmune disease: Options may include conventional DMARDs and advanced therapies, selected and monitored by your rheumatologist.
Functional Medicine Approach
Our clinic emphasizes functional medicine principles that focus on long-term health improvement:
- Identifying triggers such as food sensitivities or stressors
- Supporting gut health with probiotics or dietary changes
Integrative Therapies
We also incorporate integrative therapies to enhance treatment outcomes:
- Acupuncture for pain management
- Nutritional supplements to support immune function
Our Rheumatology Services
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatment
Early, accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan to control inflammation, protect joints, and maintain function. We use evidence-based options—including conventional DMARDs and advanced therapies—plus clear monitoring and follow-ups so you know what’s next.
Lupus (SLE) Treatment
Comprehensive care for lupus with close lab monitoring, medication safety reviews, and support for skin, joint, and systemic symptoms. We focus on flare prevention and long-term organ protection.
Osteoarthritis Management
Targeted pain relief and mobility support using medication optimization, injections when appropriate, bracing, activity modification, and strength-building routines—all matched to your goals.
Functional Rheumatology (Integrative Care)
A whole-person approach that complements medical treatment—nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement strategies—to help reduce inflammation triggers and support long-term health.
Why Choose Brickell Rheumatology Wellness Center?

Patients choose us because we prioritize their unique needs while offering compassionate care for gout and autoimmune diseases.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Patient-Centered Care: We listen carefully to your concerns without rushing appointments.
- Holistic Approach: Our treatments focus on improving overall wellness alongside symptom management.
- Education: We empower patients with knowledge about their conditions so they can make informed decisions about their health journey.
- Convenient Brickell location with patient-friendly scheduling
Benefits of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial in managing gout and autoimmune diseases effectively. By addressing symptoms early, you can prevent long-term damage and improve your quality of life. Our team is here to guide you through the process so you receive the care you need to thrive.
Preventing Complications
Preventing complications is a key part of our care strategy. By managing your condition proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like joint damage or organ involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Foods Should I Avoid if I Have Gout?
If you have gout, avoid foods high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, organ meats, and sugary beverages like soda.
Can Stress Worsen the Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases?
Yes, stress can worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by triggering inflammation and flare-ups.
Is Exercise Safe During a Gout Flare-Up?
No, exercise is not safe during a gout flare-up. It is not recommended during a gout flare-up as it may worsen pain and swelling.
Can Autoimmune Diseases Be Cured?
No. Autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but they can be effectively managed with proper care.
Functional medicine helps manage autoimmune diseases by addressing root causes such as diet, stress levels, and environmental factors.
What Is the Difference Between Gout and Autoimmune Diseases?
Gout is a specific type of arthritis that is caused by uric acid buildup, while autoimmune diseases involve the immune system attacking healthy tissues.
Do You Accept Insurance?
We’re a private-pay practice, which means we don’t bill insurance directly, and payment is due at the time of your appointment. This helps us prioritize your care without insurance company restrictions on time or services. For standard rheumatology visits, we provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement (reimbursement varies by plan and can’t be guaranteed). Functional medicine visits are not typically covered by insurance.
Why Should I Pay Out of Pocket When I Have Insurance?
Paying out of pocket can feel like a big step, but it often means more time and faster care. Instead of short visits driven by insurance limits, we schedule 60+ minutes to review your history and create a full plan (medication if needed, nutrition, lifestyle, and functional medicine). Most patients appreciate being seen in 7–14 days vs 3–6 months.
Personalized Solutions that Promote Long-Term Wellness
Dr. Bojana Jovanovic of Brickell Rheumatology Wellness Center is here to help you navigate the challenges of gout and autoimmune disease care with personalized solutions that promote long-term wellness. By addressing root causes rather than just symptoms, we aim to empower you on your journey toward better health.
Take the first step toward managing your condition now because you deserve care that truly makes a difference. Contact us today!
Care Near You
Get rheumatology care close to home:
Brickell Rheumatology Wellness Center
40 SW 13th St Ste #402, Miami, FL 33130, United States
(305) 928-6001
- 40 SW 13th St Ste #402, Miami, FL 33130, United States
- (305) 928-6001
- info@brickellrheumatology.com
- Mon - Fri: 9:00am - 3:00pm
- Sat - Sun: Closed
