Are you feeling terrible pain in your heels and joints? Is this pain affecting your daily routine? Is the pain beyond the tolerance level?
Well if you have not experienced any physical trauma in recent days then the most possible reason for all this happening to your body is the higher levels of uric acid scientifically called hyperuricemia.
It is therefore essential to get the levels of uric acid checked in your blood at least after every 3 months.
Therefore its important to get yourself checked for high levels of uric acid.
Here we will try to develop the understanding of the uric acid in general and we will discuss the main symptoms, side effects and possible treatment plans for high uric acid levels in the blood.
Table of Contents
So What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product that is made in your body by the breakdown of the protein content in your diet.
That means more protein content, more uric acid levels in your body and blood. But what is the function of uric acid in the body?
Uric acid has a very crucial role to play in the body’s immune system and it acts as an immune system stimulant. It also possesses some anti- oxidant properties as well. Uric acid is also useful in maintaining the blood pressure in salt deficient cases.
Uric acid is therefore needed to be maintained in a specific range. But when the levels of uric acid are increased this may give rise to conditions that can pose a great threat to normal health.
Uric acid as already discussed is produced by the body when the body breaks down the proteins into simpler substances.
The protein is abundantly available in many food items that may include
- Red meat
- Organ meat
- Beans and lentils.
Uric acid level is maintained in the appropriate levels as the body is specialized to perform the normal homeostatic mechanisms that will either produce the uric acids in an appropriate level or the body will flush out the extra uric acid through kidneys.
So when the uric acid levels are higher it is suggested to look for the underlying issues as to why the uric acid is produced in greater amounts and if it is produced in higher amounts then what is wrong with the organs that are concerned with the removal of uric acid outside the body.
Symptoms Of High Uric Acid Level
There are signs and symptoms that your body will show if your body is suffocated with higher levels of uric acid. The major symptoms that are observed in many patients around the world may include the following:
Joint Pain
This is a serious concern when it comes to higher levels of uric acid in the body. Joint pains which is often called gouty arthritis is a severe pain in joints of the body.
By joints we mean every joint of the body but it mostly targets the frequently moving joints that are available in the toes and feet.
The pain can be periodic and it can continue for a longer duration of time.
This has also been observed that the pain usually subsides on its own after some time.
Side Note : if you are experiencing knee joint pain then read out more and find out how you can alleviate the pain.
Besides pain there are many other signs that you might experience if you are having gout. You might feel that you are unable to move the joint.
You might also feel stiffness and swelling in joints.
High Blood Pressure
There are many reports and studies that have suggested the link of high uric acid levels with elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure was significantly higher in those patients that were having high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid is a potent cause in making people around the world prehypertensive.
Both of these things i.e. uric acid levels and hypertension are known for their silent action.
They can increase their numbers in the body without any noticeable change thus leading to grave and serious concerns.
Kidney Pain
High levels of uric acid in the blood might give you pain in the kidneys.
Kidneys are the organs that are working to remove the excessive levels of uric acid outside the body.
If you are not catering to the underlying cause then you might put your kidneys in danger as they have to work beyond their capacities to remove the extra uric acid levels.
Possible Side Effects
The above mentioned warning signs if not treated properly on time then they can lead to severe problems in the body.
The problems can be with the kidney or in many cases the higher uric acid levels can pose a threat to heart health.
There are many side effects that are observed if uric acid levels are not maintained within a certain tolerable range.
Gout
The more advanced stage of joint pain is gout. Joint pain can aggravate and can lead to a full on gouty arthritis. The pain is intensified in this condition.
You might experience pain in all the joints of the body, not only in the frequently moveable joints.
Uric acid starts to deposit itself in all the possible joints of the body giving rise to inflammation and pain.
Kidney Stones
Kidney pain if left untreated can lead to kidney stones. In many cases hyperuricemia which means higher levels of uric acid is related with kidney stones.
Kidney stones can affect all the processes of the body including blood pressure and normal body functions.
The case is a bit technical as you may form kidney stones but you may not experience the pain as soon as it is in the place.
But as soon as the kidney stones start to move out they may cause terrible pain and discomfort.
Coronary Heart Disease
There are studies that show that the chances of getting heart diseases are significantly increased in case of higher uric acid levels.
Lowering the levels of uric acid may also reduce the risk of getting cardiovascular disorders.
People Who are at Risk of Higher Levels of Uric Acid
Anyone can develop high levels of uric acid depending on their lifestyle and dietary habits. However, men are more prone to it as compared to women.
The chances are also increased with the passage of time.
The other risks that can increase the chances of high uric acid levels are as follows.
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Poor dietary routine
- Extreme levels of strenuous physical activity.
Diagnosis of High Uric Acid Levels
Uric acid levels in your blood can be diagnosed by uric acid lab tests. The lab tests may include the blood and urine sample tests.
The samples are then projected to creatinine levels which determines the amount of uric acid levels and as well as kidney functioning.
Treatment of High Uric Acid Levels
As they say that prevention is better than cure so it is better to keep yourself active and fit by taking active measures and maintaining a good lifestyle.
Diet should be properly managed. Diet rich in proteins should be used cautiously.
The pain should be managed immediately and if you experience any unusual pain then it is better to get the advice from your doctors.
If the symptoms have aggravated then the doctors may suggest medicines to bring down the level of uric acid in the body.
There are 9 best uric acid treatments for you that can help to bring down the levels of uric acid in the body.
The Takeaway
Your diet and lifestyle has a lot to say when it comes to uric acid levels. It is necessary to get yourself in the best shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle so that other fatal diseases can be prevented. In case of any issue, make sure you know the difference between a urologist vs nephrologist and give them a visit to resolve your issue as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing high levels of uric acid in the body then don’t wait anymore and make an appointment today with the best nephrologist via our website healthwire.pk
