Can high uric acid cause shoulder pain?

May 16, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Aihua
Introduction
High uric acid levels can lead to gout, causing pain and swelling when deposited in joints, and may also affect the shoulders. Shoulder pain could also result from health issues such as rotator cuff injuries or shoulder bursitis. If you experience shoulder pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. If you are concerned about high uric acid levels, you should also consult a physician for necessary evaluation and treatment advice.

Generally, high uric acid levels can indirectly cause shoulder pain. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Elevated uric acid refers to increased levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is one of the metabolic byproducts in the human body. Due to various factors—such as improper diet, genetics, or metabolic disorders—excessive production or insufficient excretion of uric acid may occur, leading to elevated blood uric acid levels. When uric acid levels become too high, uric acid crystals can deposit in joints, triggering gout. While gout most commonly affects the big toe, it can also involve other joints, including the knees, ankles, and shoulders. When uric acid crystals deposit in the shoulder joint, they provoke an inflammatory response, resulting in shoulder pain, swelling, and localized redness.

In summary, if you frequently experience shoulder pain, it is advisable to consult a doctor for diagnosis to determine the underlying cause. The physician may perform a physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests based on your symptoms to identify the source of the pain. If you are concerned about high uric acid levels, you should also discuss this with your doctor and receive appropriate treatment and management recommendations.



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