High uric acid, known as hyperuricemia, is becoming more common among many young adults. This occurs when your body generates excessive uric acid or fails to excrete enough through urine. High uric acid levels in the body are frequently ignored or remain unnoticed until it is too late. Persistently elevated uric acid levels in the body can result in painful issues such as gout, kidney stones, and potentially long-term damage to joints or kidneys.
Joint Pains
Abrupt, severe joint pain, usually in the big toe, is a common and early sign of elevated uric acid levels in the body. This sudden pain in the joints is a common sign of gout. Usually sudden and severe, the discomfort can occur at night and be linked to sensitivity, swelling, or inflammation.
Swelling and Redness
This is another common sign of flare-ups of gout. A buildup of uric acid in the body can be indicated by even mild joint swelling, warmth, or redness, even if you don’t have severe pain. Before a full-blown gout attack, this is an initial inflammatory response. Because of the inflammation, the joint may feel stiff or appear glossy.
Weakness
Chronic inflammation brought on by high uric acid levels in the body can occasionally result in sluggishness and energy loss because of uric acid crystal deposits. You may have a metabolic health issue, specifically a uric acid imbalance, if you experience joint pain and fatigue on a regular basis even after getting 7-8 hours of sleep. To find any underlying health issues, make sure your medical examination is finished.
Sudden Changes in Urine
Urinating more frequently, especially at night, could be a sign that your kidneys are working too hard to eliminate the excess uric acid in your body. It may be a sign of high uric acid levels in the body if it manifests as dark, hazy, and foul-smelling urine or even blood. Don’t ignore this crucial symptom because it could lead to more serious kidney issues in the future.
Stiff Muscles
Particularly in the morning, stiffness or a persistent muscle ache may result from elevated uric acid levels. Although it is usually not as severe as joint discomfort or a specific muscle tightness, it can reduce flexibility and make daily movements more difficult. This is a subtle sign that your body is inflamed. Do not discount other symptoms that accompany this type of muscle tightness. See your doctor and have your medical exams done.
Severe Skin Peeling Issues
Uric acid crystals near the skin’s surface can occasionally result in flaking, peeling, or itching, especially around the joints. People who suffer from persistent gout may get tophi, which are hard, visible swellings under the skin. While dry, irritated skin on joints is an early sign of elevated uric acid levels in the body, this usually happens in more advanced situations.
High uric acid doesn’t always show itself with loud symptoms, so it’s important to listen to your body. If you’re dealing with any of these signs regularly, don’t ignore them—talk to your doctor and get a proper check-up done.
Manisha Chauhan is a passionate journalist with 3 years of experience in the media industry, covering everything from trending entertainment buzz and celebrity spotlights to thought-provoking book reviews and practical health tips. Known for blending fresh perspectives with reader-friendly writing, she creates content that informs, entertains, and inspires. When she’s not chasing the next viral story, you’ll find her diving into a good book or exploring new wellness trends.
