Early symptoms of increased Uric Acid (hyperuricemia) can be subtle or even absent at first, but when they do appear, they’re often linked to gout or kidney issues. Common early signs include:

1. Joint-related symptoms (often in gout)

Sudden pain in a joint, usually the big toe (but can affect ankle, knee, or fingers)

Redness and warmth over the joint

Swelling and tenderness, especially at night or early morning

2. General discomfort

Mild, unexplained joint_stiffness

Tingling or burning sensation in affected areas

3. Kidney-related symptoms

Lower back or flank pain (possible kidney stones)

Changes in urine (cloudy, blood-tinged, or painful urination)

4. Other subtle signs

Fatigue or feeling generally unwell

Low-grade fever during a flare-up

In the very early stage, uric acid can be high without causing any pain — this is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Problems usually start when crystals form in joints or kidneys.

Uric Acid Self-Check List

Joint Health

Do you notice sudden pain in a toe, ankle, knee, or finger — especially at night?

Any redness, warmth, or swelling around a joint without injury?

Kidney & Urination

Any back or side pain (flank pain) without injury?

Burning sensation or pain while urinating?

Passing urine that is cloudy, has blood, or has an unusual smell?

General Body Signals

Unexplained tiredness or fatigue?

Mild fever with joint pain?

Tingling or burning sensation in hands or feet?

Lifestyle & Risk Factors

Do you eat a lot of red meat, organ meats, seafood, or high-purine foods?

Do you consume sugary drinks or excessive alcohol frequently?

Is there a family history of gout or kidney stones?

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Tip:

If you have 2 or more signs from the first three sections, it’s worth getting a serum uric acid test.

If you also have multiple risk factors, consider getting tested even without symptoms.

Keep hydrated (2–3 liters/day) and limit purine-rich foods to help prevent flare-ups.

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Early Warning Signs of High Uric Acid (Gout & Kidney Risk)

Check your symptoms — early detection prevents pain & damage!

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1. Joint Symptoms

☐ Sudden pain in toe, ankle, knee, or fingers (especially at night)

☐ Redness, swelling, or warmth in a joint

☐ Stiffness in joints without injury

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2. Kidney & Urination

☐ Back or side pain without injury

☐ Burning while urinating

☐ Cloudy or blood-tinged urine

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3. Whole-Body Signs

☐ Feeling unusually tired

☐ Low-grade fever with joint pain

☐ Tingling or burning in hands or feet

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4. Risk Factors

☐ Frequent red meat, organ meat, seafood intake

☐ Sugary drinks

☐ Family history of gout or kidney stones

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What to do if you check 2 or more boxes:

Get your Serum Uric Acid Test done.

Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily.

Reduce high-purine foods & sugary drinks.

See a physiotherapist or doctor for advice.

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Brought to you by:

Dr. Farjad Afzal — Physiotherapist

(Best in Sargodha for early joint protection)