tophus

Tophite is a nodular mass of urate crystals deposited in joints and surrounding tissues due to elevated blood uric acid levels.

Hyperuricemia is a key factor in tophite formation. When blood uric acid levels exceed their saturation, urate precipitates and gradually deposits. Hyperuricemia, which is not effectively controlled for a long time, causes urate to accumulate and eventually form tophite. It mostly occurs in joints and surrounding tissues, such as toes, ankles, knee joints, fingers, etc., and can also occur in auricles and other parts. These parts are usually relatively poor blood supply, low temperature places, more conducive to the deposition and aggregation of urate crystals. Tophite not only causes local pain, swelling, deformity, affecting joint movement function, but also may cause skin rupture, infection and other complications. Moreover, it reflects the severity of urate deposition in the body, which is closely related to repeated attacks and disease progression.

First, it is necessary to actively control blood uric acid levels, including adjusting lifestyle, such as low purine diet, drinking more, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction, and controlling weight. At the same time, it is reasonable to use uric acid lowering drugs according to the condition. For larger tophite, surgery can be considered if necessary, but surgery cannot completely solve the problem. After surgery, uric acid should continue to be controlled to prevent recurrence.

Tophite is a serious manifestation of gout, which requires high attention. Patients should actively cooperate with doctors for standardized treatment and management to reduce its harm and adverse effects.