What makes uric acid in the body

Doctors may sometimes also perform a joint aspiration , in which they use a needle and syringe to remove a small amount of fluid from the swollen joint. The presence of uric acid crystals in the fluid indicates gout.

Sometimes, a person will have high uric acid levels but no symptoms of a medical condition. They are unlikely to need treatment unless they develop symptoms. Certain foods contain purines, which create uric acid when the body breaks them down. Eating a diet that is too rich in purines can cause uric acid to build up in the blood.

It is not possible to avoid purines completely because small amounts are present in many foods. However, a person can follow a low purine diet and take other steps to help lower purine levels.

Foods that include moderate or high levels of purines include:. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids can reduce pain and inflammation, helping treat an acute gout flare. A person who has gout usually needs a uric acid test every 6 months. Keeping uric acid levels within a certain range can reduce pain, joint damage, and complications from gout. Uric acid is a waste product that can damage joints and tissue if it builds up too much in the body. When a person has high uric acid levels for an extended period, they may develop health problems.

If a person has gout, it is important for them to keep uric acid levels within a healthy range. Doing this can improve the symptoms and reduce the risk of a gout flare. A uric acid buildup can sometimes lead to gout, which causes very painful symptoms. Learn about eight natural ways to lower uric acid levels in this….

Gout can cause extreme, sudden pain, usually in the big toe. Find out more about gout, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and recovery outlooks here. What is gout and how might diet affect symptoms? Learn about foods to avoid and those that can help manage gout. Diet high in purines. Risk factors. Gout triggers. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Hyperuricemia: Symptoms, Treatment, and More. Medically reviewed by Elaine K.

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Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD. Understanding Gout Crystals. Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD. Gout vs. Turf Toe: How to Tell the Difference. Most of the time, blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

This test is done to see if you have a high level of uric acid in your blood. High levels of uric acid can sometimes cause gout or kidney disease. You may have this test if you have had or are about to have certain types of chemotherapy. Rapid destruction of cancerous cells or weight loss, which may occur with such treatments, can increase the amount of uric acid in your blood.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. The example above shows the common measurement range for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

Clinical features and treatment of gout. Kelley and Firestein's Textbook of Rheumatology. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. You may have too much uric acid in your blood hyperuricemia if your results are:.

Your uric acid levels may be high if you eat foods high in purines. These include organ meats, dried beans and peas, and fish such as anchovies, herring, sardines, and mackerel. High levels can also be caused by a low-salt diet. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. Foods high in purines, including organ meats, mushrooms, some types of fish and seafood, and dried peas and beans. Ask your healthcare provider if you should avoid any foods, beverages, or medicines before the test.

Be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.