Understanding Uric Acid Crystals: Shape, Location, and Treatment Options

KOMPAS.com – Uric acid crystals are formed due to high levels of uric acid in the blood.

The buildup of crystals triggers gout attacks or what we know as gout which causes severe pain and inflammation in the joint area.

To find out more about what uric acid crystals are, their shape and location, see the following explanation.

Also read: Cold or Hot Compress, Which is Better for Treating Gout?

What are uric acid crystals?

Quoted from Healthline, uric acid crystals are deposits formed as a result of excess uric acid levels in the blood.

For your information, uric acid is a compound produced by the body to break down purines.

Purines have an important role in providing energy and supporting cell growth. After being used to break down purines, uric acid will be excreted through urine.

However, if the levels are too high, uric acid will build up and form small crystals in the spaces between the joints.

A buildup of crystals can cause inflammation and intense chronic pain, also known as gout attacks.

Also read: 4 Dangerous Diseases Caused by High Uric Acid, Should Not Be Underestimated

What is the shape of uric acid crystals?

The shape of uric acid crystals is generally sharp like needles in joints or surrounding tissue.

Apart from that, as reported by a journal published by Diponegoro University, uric acid crystals are found in the form of flat plates with four sides like a diamond and are circular and close together.

Uric acid crystals can increase and accumulate if gout sufferers do not undergo treatment and make lifestyle changes to overcome their health problems.

The buildup of uric acid crystals can form chunks called tophi.

Tophi can cause the joint to swell, scrape the bone, destroy the cartilage, and cause the range of motion to be limited.

Also read: 6 Ways to Treat Gout in the Feet Naturally and Using Medicine

Where are uric acid crystals?

Uric acid crystals can form in any joint. However, generally the location of uric acid crystals is at the tip of the big toe.

This is because uric acid is a compound that is very sensitive to temperature. The process of uric acid crystallization can occur in areas of the body where the temperature is coldest.

The tip of the thumb is the coldest part of the body because it is far from the heart, making it easier for uric acid to crystallize.

Other locations that can become a place for uric acid crystals to form are the knees, ankles, foot joints, and wrists.

Someone who has high uric acid levels should consult a doctor to get the best treatment or lifestyle so that their condition can recover.

High levels of uric acid result in the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, causing pain, inflammation, a burning sensation, and decreased ability to move.

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2023-09-21 14:00:00
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