Categories: Nephrology

Did you know that Uric Acid Count and Joint Pain are connected?

What is Uric Acid?

When chemicals called purines break down and are dissolved in the blood, it forms uric acid. It occurs as a byproduct of protein digestions and is usually excreted through the urine by the kidneys. It has no useful function and is a waste product.

What causes build up of uric acid?

Sometimes, when the kidneys are unable to eliminate enough of the uric acid it can cause build up of uric acid.

There are several reasons for uric acid accumulation. These are:-

Certain kinds of food like dried beans, liver, certain types of fish, mushrooms etc
Alcohol
Dehydration
High fructose drinks
Obesity
Gender
Age
Lead exposure
Certain medications
High levels of ketone

Also Read: The different types of Joint Injections in treating Joint Pain

Why uric acid build-up causes joint pain?

When uric acid is not eliminated regularly from the body, it accumulates in the form of needle-like crystals in the joints and soft tissues. This can cause inflammation, swelling, stiffness, pain, and heat in the joints. This can manifest as arthritic pain.

One of the most common kinds of joint pains caused by buildup of uric acid is gout. It is an acute form of arthritis that often affects one joint at a time. Usual symptoms of joint pain due to uric acid accumulation are:-

Severe joint pain
Flu like symptoms
Fever
Muscle aches
May start with pain in the big toe
Accompanied by swelling and redness
It can last for several hours at a time, gradually worsening
Pain can move from joint to joint
It can limit movement

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Usually the doctor would recommend a serum uric acid test, serum urate, or UA.

Normal Uric acid levels are 2.4-6.0 mg/dL (female) and 3.4-7.0 mg/dL (male).

How to regulate your uric acid level

Changes in your diet
Avoiding high sugar foods
Drinking more water
Stopping alcohol consumption
Following a weight loss program
Adding more fibre to your diet

Making lifestyle changes may help in regulating your uric acid level and preventing this trigger for joint pain.

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