Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are tophi?

    Related Topics
    My doctor told me recently that I have tophi around my joints where my gout usually flares up. I don’t quite understand what this is. Can someone please explain?
  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 2

    Thanks

    Dr Greg Sher

    Chiropractor

    I am the Clinic Director of the Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic.At our clinic, we see an equal mix of city office workers and elite … View Profile

    Firstly, to clarify - 1 Tophis, many tophi.
    Tophi are usually a side effect of long standing gout.

    Gout is essentially a type of arthritis that is caused by elevated levels of Uric Acid. The actual attack is when the Uric acid forms crystals(Monosodium Urate) in the problematic joint. 

    A tophis is essentially formed by the “left over crystal” in the joint that the body can't quite mop up.

    I hope that clarifies things for you somewhat. 

  • 1

    Thanks

    Dr Irwin Lim

    Rheumatologist

    Irwin has been a rheumatologist in Sydney since 2003. He is a co-founder and medical director of BJC Health, which consists of a team of … View Profile

    See this link for pictures of tophi & a description of the damage they cause:

    http://bjcconnectedcare.com/2012/09/whats-that-lump-on-your-finger/

    Tophi imply years of neglected, underder-treated gout & hyperuricaemia! 

answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices