Tophi Gout

Gout is a metabolic disorder and is characterized by high level of uric acid in the body. It is associated with the defect in uric acid metabolism. Tophi gout refers to the condition, where consistently high level of uric acid in the body causes the deposition of uric acid or monosodium urate crystals on the joints. The terms tophus (singular) and tophi (plural) are used to refer to the crystals of monosodium urate, which can form in joints, bones, cartilage and the tendons. The joints that are more likely to be affected by this condition are the big toes, ankles, fingers, wrist, elbows and the heels. Over a period of time, build up of uric acid crystals can cause the affected joint to swell and appear deformed. Tophi can be visible as whitish nodules, that can be quite painful and restrict movement, if they form near a joint. Formation of uric acid crystals can sometimes damage the bones and the cartilage, especially when their size increases.

What Causes Tophi Gout?

It does not develop all of a sudden. It can take several years for tophi or uric acid crystals to develop from the onset of gout attacks. On an average, tophi can develop around 10 years from the onset of gout, if it is left untreated. However, elderly can develop this condition earlier, if the level of uric acid in their body is consistently high. Not treating gout properly is the main reason for developing uric acid crystals or tophi. One can get gout due to various reasons. For some, it could be an inherited abnormality in uric acid metabolism, while for others it could be associated with inability of the kidneys to effectively eliminate uric acid from blood.

The main risk factors for gout are, excessive alcohol consumption, over consumption of certain foods like, red meat, seafood, organ meat, sugar and oily fish, health conditions like, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and prolonged use of diuretics, aspirin and niacin. Simultaneous use of cyclosporine and hydrochlorothiazide can also be associated with gout attacks. Apart from these, an individual is more likely to experience gout attacks, if someone in his or her family has this condition. Gout is more prevalent among men, while women have the increased risk for developing this condition after menopause.

Tophi Gout Treatment

The treatment involves the use of medications that can dissolve the uric acid crystals and lower the level of uric acid in the body. If the level of uric acid in blood can be lowered, then development of tophi can be prevented. Febuxostat and pegloticase are two important medications available for gout. They can prove quite effective for dissolving the crystals of monosodium urate. Apart from medications, another treatment option is surgery which is employed to break down the uric acid crystals, and then remove them from the body. However, surgery for this condition is presently not available in all places.

The best way to avoid tophi gout is to treat gout on time. Gout can be treated with the help of both medications and natural remedies. Medications that are usually prescribed to manage the gout symptoms, and prevent its future occurrences are, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, colchicine, allopurinol and probenecid. Some of the gout natural remedies that have benefited many people in relieving joint pain, swelling and other symptoms and also to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals are, cherry juice, vegetables juice like, carrot juice, beet juice and cucumber juice, fruits like, apples, bananas, grapes, lime and blueberries, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, saffron, spearmint and yarrow.

These natural remedies are usually not very effective in treating gout, if it has progressed to the tophi stage. But, they can help to control and manage gout, which in turn can prevent it from progressing to the stage characterized by the formation of tophi or uric acid crystals. For effective treatment and prevention, it is also important to follow a proper diet. You can talk to a dietitian or health care provider to know more about gout diet. To sum up, the best treatment for this condition is its prevention, which can be done by treating gout properly under the supervision of a certified physician.