The tophi pages feature pictures of the worst effects of gout.
Actually, these visually shocking images featuring shocking photographs of disfiguring gouty tophi only tell part of the story. Tophi usually refers to large deposits of uric acid crystals under the skin, which form lumps that move when pushed. Other deposits nearer the bone, especially in joints are often more dangerous. I have written about the dangers of uric acid crystals in and around the joints several times. You can find these by searching for bone erosion or joint destruction in the search box at the top of each page.
Tophi, though unsightly, do not usually cause significant pain unless they restrict mobility near a joint, or burst through the skin. This second phenomenon can cause other problems if the resulting wound becomes infected.
Tophi can be removed by surgery. Also, they will shrink if uric acid is maintained at safe levels. The safe level is often recognized as 6mg/dL (0.36mmol/L), however 5mg/dL is a better target, as this allows for a suitable safety level. Several months at a much lower level is the fastest way to shrink tophi without surgery.
The pages below refer to tophi in different parts of the body, often with photographs which some gout sufferers may find upsetting as they display the most grotesque symptoms of gout. In the Gout Treatment section, I explain ways you can remove tophi. You might also be interested in my early review of Why Tophi Are Important To Gout Sufferers.
Tophi In The Toe
Gouty Tophi In Toe Photograph - click for details
Tophi In Other Joints
- Thumb Tophi
- Tophi on the thumb can make it hard to grip. That might make you drop things, but you should really be dropping your uric acid level.
- Tophi In The Fingers
- Tophi are debilitating anywhere, but in the fingers, they make everyday tasks difficult. See how to avoid gout getting so serious and stop finger tophi before they stop you.
- Feet Tophi
- If you get feet tophi, walking is difficult. With big gouty tumors stopping you walk, is it not time to fix your gout?
I will post more images of tophi here, and extend the number of pages. If you have any appropriate photographs, please share your gouty tophi pictures.
Leave Tophi to browse other Gout Symptoms pages