Tophi
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Tophi are chalky, gritty accumulations of uric acid crystals that build up in the soft tissue of a gouty joint, often occurring in the elbow or the joints of the fingers or toes. Tophi develop if gout is not treated for an extended period of time.
When tophi are located just under the skin, they are usually firm and movable. The overlying skin may be thin and red. Tophi that are very near the surface of the skin may appear cream-colored or yellow. If gout progresses without treatment, tophi may form in the cartilage of the external ear or the tissues around the joint (bursae, ligaments, and tendons), resulting in pain, swelling, redness, and warmth (inflammation). Progressive crippling and destruction of cartilage and bone is possible. Fortunately, advances in the early treatment of gout have made this stage of gout uncommon.
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.