Diseases

Elevated Uric Acid

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A high uric acid level, or hyperuricemia, is an excess of uric acid in your blood. Uric Acid is produced during the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and are also formed by your body.

SYMPTOMS

Gout can affect the ankles, heels and toes. Also called "gouty arthritis," gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. The painful flare-ups may be concentrated in the big toe (a symptom known as podagra), as well as swelling and pain in the ankles, knees, feet, wrists or elbows.

CAUSES

Things that may cause this slow-down in the removal of uric acid include rich foods, being overweight, having diabetes, taking certain diuretics (sometimes called water pills) and drinking too much alcohol. Other less common causes are a diet high in purine-containing items or your body producing too much uric acid.