Uric acid builds up in joints when there is too much uric acid in the blood and it turns into sharp urate crystals that settle in joint tissue and fluid, triggering gout inflammation and pain.

Quick Scoop

The most common reason is that the kidneys do not remove enough uric acid from the body, even when kidney function is otherwise normal. Less commonly, the body makes too much uric acid , and diet can contribute too, especially purine-rich foods like red meat and shellfish and alcohol, particularly beer.

Why it happens

  • Reduced excretion by the kidneys. This is the most common cause.
  • High purine intake. Purines are broken down into uric acid, so frequent intake can raise levels.
  • Increased production. This is less common, but some people produce excess uric acid.
  • Other factors in the joint. Joint fluid amount, acidity, and temperature can affect crystal formation.

What it feels like

When crystals form in a joint, the body reacts with sudden pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. Gout often starts in the big toe , but it can affect other joints too.

When to get checked

If you have sudden joint pain , especially with swelling or redness, it is worth seeing a clinician, because gout can look like other joint problems and is often treatable.

If you want, I can also give you a simple list of common triggers for gout flare-ups or a plain-English explanation of how to lower uric acid.