- Severe joint pain, swelling, and skin redness may be signs of gout caused by uric acid crystals in the joints.
- Intense lower back or side pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine may point to kidney stones.
- Fever, chills, or burning when urinating can signal an infection and need prompt medical evaluation.
High uric acid symptoms, such as joint pain, skin redness, hard lumps in the joints, and severe lower back pain, can occur when uric acid builds up and forms crystals in the body. These crystals usually affect the joints or kidneys and can lead to inflammation and intense discomfort.
In many cases, high uric acid levels, also known as hyperuricemia, do not cause symptoms and are only detected through blood or urine tests. Levels above 6.8 mg/dL are considered high and may increase the risk of developing conditions like gout or kidney stones.
High uric acid symptoms are often linked to gout or kidney stones and may develop when the body produces too much uric acid or does not eliminate it properly. Treatment may include medications to lower uric acid levels, pain relief for flare-ups, and dietary changes such as reducing alcohol, red meat, and seafood intake.
Signs and symptoms
The main signs and symptoms of high uric acid are:
1. Joint pain and swelling
Pain and swelling in the joints are common signs of gout and happen when excess uric acid forms crystals in the joints, causing inflammation.
According to the CDC, this crystal buildup can lead to severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint. Gout most often affects the big toe, but it can also involve the hands and other joints, with pain that may worsen with movement and last for several days.
2. Small, hard lumps on joints
When uric acid crystals build up in the joints, they can form small, hard lumps that may be painful to the touch. These lumps can appear in the fingers, elbows, knees, feet, and other affected joints.
In gout, the big toe is the joint most often affected, although the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers can also be involved. Gout is more common in men, people with a family history of the condition, and those who drink too much alcohol.
3. Difficulty moving the affected joint
Lumps and swelling caused by uric acid crystals can make it harder to move the affected joint.
4. Skin redness
Inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints can lead to redness and peeling of the skin around the affected area. The skin may also feel rough or have a sandpaper-like texture when touched.
5. Severe lower back or side pain
Severe pain in the lower back or side of the body can happen when uric acid stones form in the kidneys. This pain may begin when a stone starts moving into the ureter and can become intense enough to make movement difficult.
6. Severe kidney stone pain (renal colic)
Renal colic is a type of severe kidney stone pain that comes in waves and may last 20 to 60 minutes at a time. It usually happens when a uric acid stone gets stuck in or blocks part of the urinary tract.
7. Nausea and vomiting
Kidney stones caused by excess uric acid can lead to nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms. This happens because the same nerves that supply the kidneys also affect the stomach, triggering these symptoms.
8. Pain or burning when urinating
Pain or burning when urinating (dysuria) may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). This can happen when a uric acid stone irritates the urinary tract as it passes through the urethra or blocks the flow of urine.
Other UTI symptoms may include needing to urinate more often, as well as cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
9. Blood in the urine
When uric acid kidney stones move, they can irritate and damage the lining of the urinary tract, leading to small amounts of blood in the urine. This symptom is more common when the stone is passing through the urethra or when a UTI is present.
Read about what else can cause blood in the urine, including medications, UTIs, and other kidney conditions.
10. Fever or chills
Fever or chills may be signs of a kidney infection caused by kidney stones or a UTI. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), fever and chills may signal a more serious condition that needs prompt medical evaluation.
Learn about other kidney stone symptoms and complete our online symptom checker.
Confirming a diagnosis
High uric acid is usually diagnosed with blood tests and, in some cases, urine tests. A primary care provider or specialist, such as a rheumatologist or nephrologist (kidney doctor), will also consider symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits.
Other blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), lipid profile, and calcium and phosphate levels, may be ordered to check for health conditions that could be contributing to elevated uric acid levels.
Imaging tests, such as joint X-rays or a kidney ultrasound, may also be used to look for joint swelling, confirm gout, or detect uric acid stones in the kidneys.
Treatment options
Treatment for high uric acid should be guided by a healthcare provider, such as a primary care provider, rheumatologist, or urologist, depending on the symptoms.
Depending on the cause and symptoms, treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids to reduce joint pain and swelling, as well as uric acid-lowering gout medicine such as allopurinol or probenecid.
If high uric acid leads to kidney stones, the provider may also prescribe pain relievers and antispasmodic medications to help relieve discomfort. Severe pain may require treatment in the hospital with IV medications.
Diet changes are also important for lowering uric acid levels. A registered dietitian may recommend eating more foods like apples, beets, carrots, and cucumbers, while limiting alcohol, red meat, seafood, and certain types of fish. Read more about the gout diet your dietitian may advise.