Gout is a painful condition that affects millions every year. It is caused by an excessive amount of uric acid in your body. Hyperuricemia is a lesser-known condition. Hyperuricemia, which is asymptomatic (no obvious symptoms), is associated with a higher risk of developing painful gout within a few years. It is not gout. In rare cases, hyperuricemia can lead to gout. Although there are no obvious symptoms in hyperuricemia yet, the crystals of uric acid that can cause gout are already forming.
Uric Acid Level
Your uric acid levels have reached a high level and are beginning to build up in your joints. They can be found in the toes of your feet or elsewhere in your foot. Your doctor may ask that you take the necessary steps to prevent uric acid crystallizing in your kidneys or joints. Gout and hyperuricemia pain can be exacerbated by obesity, extreme weight gain, high blood pressure, irregular kidney function, and certain drugs.
Dehydration, certain injuries, high fevers and surgery can also cause attacks. The kidneys are responsible for excreting the most uric acid in hyperuricemia. However, 10% of hyperuricemia sufferers overproduce uric acids. Some people with hyperuricemia are affected by blood and bone-marrow disease, or genetic enzyme abnormalities. Sometimes, elevated uric acids can be genetic. Some people are hyperuric because they are obese, but most cases cannot be pinpointed.
Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia is not a condition that requires medication. Although they may experience “mini” gout attacks in the feet, it is not severe enough to be considered a serious condition. An attack is usually felt at night as severe joint pain. This can happen after drinking alcohol or eating high-purine foods (such as red meat). It is most common to feel the pain in the big and middle toes.
However, others may feel it in their heels. Sometimes it can be felt in the wrists and hands. The pain usually goes away after a few changes in diet and medication, but it can return within a year. They should avoid high-purine foods and aim to maintain a healthy weight during the time between attacks. They should also stop drinking beer and reduce stress.
There are many effective anti-hyperuric agents that can be used, but it is not recommended if the attacks are still minor. Allopurinol is used for kidney disorders and to inhibit uric acids production. If hyperuricemia is mild, the doctor will not usually recommend anti-hyperuremic drugs. Sometimes, the doctor waits until there have been two attacks before deciding to prescribe anti-hyperuremic drugs.
Conclusion
However, it is important to remember that anti-hyperuremic therapy is for life. It may be difficult to adhere to. There is hope. One in four people with hyperuricemia will develop gout. Early awareness and treatment can help them change the course of the disease. Gout may be a possibility if hyperuricemia becomes more frequent and lasts longer. Talk to your doctor often to find a solution that works for you.