Tophi (toe-fye) are rock-like bumps that build up under the skin and around joints. When uric acid levels are high, uric acid can form into crystals that deposit in joints and surrounding tissues. These crystals can build up into larger deposits, eventually forming tophi. Having tophi can be a sign that your uric acid levels are remaining high and that your gout may be progressing.

Where Can Tophi Form on the Body?

Tophi are most frequently found in tissues within and around joints, but they can also pop up in other places

How Are Tophi Treated?

To effectively treat tophi, you must treat the underlying cause of tophi: uric acid crystal buildup due to high uric acid levels. There are treatments available, including oral and non-oral options, that can help reduce the amount of uric acid in the bloodstream and dissolve the uric acid crystal buildup to help dissolve tophi over time.

Can tophi be removed or dissolved?

Yes. Tophi can be removed surgically if they are causing complications, and tophi can also dissolve over time if high uric acid levels are lowered. It's important to note that the surgical removal of tophi does not prevent new tophi from forming. Treating tophi by lowering your uric acid to more normal levels can help break down the uric acid crystals that cause tophi. For women, normal levels of uric acid range between 2.6 mg/dL and 6.0 mg/dL, and for men, a normal range is between 3.5 mg/dL and 7.2 mg/dL.

Can tophi dissolve on their own?

No. Tophi will not go away on their own. Without uric acid reduction to break down uric acid crystal buildup, tophi will not dissolve.

Can tophi impact my overall health? Are tophi dangerous?

Yes. If left untreated, tophi can potentially lead to permanent bone and joint damage. There are also instances when tophi may become infected.

EVERY DAY WITHMY GOUTIS A DAY WITHOUTOUR WALK

Q: What is a normal uric acid level?

Uric acid levels can vary and may be different for women and men. For women, a normal range is 2.6 mg/dL–6.0 mg/dL and for men, a normal range is 3.5 mg/dL–7.2 mg/dL.

Q: How are uric acid levels tested?

The primary test for uric acid levels is a blood test, through which the amount of uric acid in your blood is measured. You can ask your doctor to include this test to help understand your uric acid level.

Q: Can I develop or have gout if my uric acid level was in a normal range at a recent blood test?

Yes. Gout can develop, or you might already have gout, even if your uric acid level was measured within the normal range. Uric acid levels can fluctuate and may be in the normal range during a blood test, but high at other times, causing uric acid buildup. This is why it’s important to regularly monitor your uric acid levels over time.

Gout is a common, painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid building up in the blood. It can be a lifelong disease that may get worse over time, potentially affecting not just your joints, but your entire body.

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What Is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a waste product that typically dissolves in your blood and exits the body through your urine. Uric acid is produced when your body breaks down purines, which are natural substances found in the body as well as in some foods that you may be eating. Because of this, purine-rich foods can increase the production of uric acid and therefore increase the risk of gout. Some foods that are high in purines include:

Meats and meat sauces

Game meats (like turkey, venison, etc)
Organ meats
Red meats
Gravies

Certain seafood

Shellfish (mussels, shrimp, etc)
Sardines and anchovies
Herring, haddock, trout, codfish

Foods and drinks high in sugar

Alcohol
Drinks made with high fructose corn syrup
Sweets

While cutting these foods out of your diet helps, it may not be enough to reach your target uric acid levels. Before you take any steps to help manage your gout, remember to consult with your doctor first.

Uric Acid and Gout

Gout happens when uric acid is produced faster than your body can get rid of it. It builds up in your blood stream and can cause uric acid crystals, also known as gout crystals, to form and deposit in your joints and soft tissues, leading to what is known as a gout flare. Some symptoms of a gout flare include:

Unpredictable pain

Swelling

Inflammation

When gout gets to a more advanced stage, uric acid levels may remain high despite lifestyle and diet changes along with taking prescription gout medication. High uric acid levels that stay high are not always within your control, which is why this type of gout may sometimes be known as uncontrolled gout. Uncontrolled gout may also be referred to as advanced gout, chronic gout, tophaceous gout, progressive gout, or severe gout.

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What Levels of Uric Acid Are Considered High?

When your uric acid levels stay above 6 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), you’re considered to have hyperuricemia (hahy-per-yoor-uh-see-mee-uh), which is the biggest risk factor for developing gout and for gout getting worse. Your gout specialist, like a rheumatologist or nephrologist, can check your uric acid levels with a blood test.

What is a normal uric acid level?

How are uric acid levels tested?

Can I develop or have gout if my uric acid level was in a normal range at a recent blood test?

High uric acid levels may lead to the onset of more serious health concerns.

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