You’ve probably heard of gout — the painful joint condition that can strike suddenly, often in the big toe.
But do you know what’s behind it?
👉 High uric acid levels, also known as hyperuricemia, is the silent culprit.
Uric acid is a natural byproduct of your body’s metabolism — formed when purines (compounds found in DNA and certain foods) break down.
Under normal conditions, your kidneys filter out excess uric acid, and it’s eliminated through urine.
But when levels rise — either because your body produces too much or your kidneys can’t remove it fast enough — trouble begins.
And it’s not just about joint pain.
When uric acid builds up, it can crystallize and wreak havoc on multiple systems in your body.
Here are 4 key things that happen when uric acid levels rise — and why you should take it seriously.
🚨 1. Gout: Sudden, Severe Joint Pain and Inflammation
The most well-known consequence of high uric acid is gout — a form of inflammatory arthritis.
When excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in your joints, it triggers a violent immune response, leading to:
Intense pain (often starting at night)
Swelling, redness, and heat in the affected joint
Extreme tenderness — even the weight of a bedsheet can be unbearable
Commonly affected joints:
Big toe (most common)
Ankles, knees, fingers, wrists, and heels
Gout attacks can last days or weeks, and without treatment, they may become more frequent and severe — even leading to joint damage and deformity.
🧊 2. Kidney Stones: Sharp Pain and Urinary Problems
Uric acid doesn’t just settle in joints — it can also crystallize in the kidneys, forming uric acid kidney stones.
These stones can cause:
