Sudden joint pain, swelling, and redness
This is the most typical manifestation when uric acid levels rise leading to gout. Pain often appears suddenly at night, concentrated in the big toe, ankle, knee or wrist. Joints are swollen, hot, red and severely painful, making it difficult for the patient to walk or move.
According to the American Rheumatologists Association, this condition occurs due to urate crystals deposited in the joint, triggering acute inflammatory reactions.
Appearance of kidney stones or back pain
When uric acid in the blood increases for a long time, excess uric acid can crystallize in the urinary tract, forming kidney stones. Patients may experience dull or severe pain in the hip area, painful urination, bloody urination or frequent urination. About 20% of gout patients are at risk of kidney stones due to uric acid.
Hard spots under the skin
In uncontrolled prolonged cases, urate crystals can accumulate under the skin forming tophi particles. They often appear on fingers, toes, elbows, or earlobes. Initially, these particles are painless but can grow larger, deforming joints, and restricting movement.
Experts recommend that people with a history of gout, obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease or regularly eating a lot of animal organs, seafood, and drinking alcohol should have their uric acid levels checked periodically. Early detection combined with adjusting diet, reducing alcohol consumption, drinking enough water and treating according to doctor's instructions will help limit the risk of complications.
