uric acid symptoms and cure - #7129

For the past few months, I’ve been waking up with sudden pain in my big toe, and sometimes in my ankle too. At first, I thought I had just slept in a weird position, but the pain has become more frequent. It’s usually worst in the morning and then gets a little better as the day goes on. I recently got a blood test, and my doctor said my uric acid levels were high. Now I’m trying to understand the uric acid symptoms and cure options. I know that high uric acid can cause gout, but does that mean I already have gout, or could something else be causing my pain? Are there other uric acid symptoms I should watch for, like kidney issues or joint stiffness? Sometimes my joints feel warm and swollen, but not always. Does uric acid buildup always cause visible swelling, or can it just be internal pain? Also, I read that uric acid comes from foods that are high in purines. Does that mean I need to completely stop eating red meat and seafood, or can I just cut back? I drink alcohol occasionally, but could that be making my uric acid symptoms worse? Now, about the uric acid cure part—what actually lowers uric acid levels? My doctor mentioned medications, but I want to know if there are natural ways to bring it down first. Does drinking more water help flush it out, or is that a myth? What about things like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or cherry juice—do they actually work, or is that just something people say online? I also read that exercise can help, but I’m worried about making the pain worse. If I have high uric acid, should I avoid intense workouts, or is light exercise like walking better? For anyone who has dealt with uric acid symptoms, what actually worked for you? Did you have to change your diet completely, or did medication make the biggest difference? I want to find the best way to manage this before it gets worse.