What Is Tophaceous Gout?
Gout is a disease which causes sudden burning pain in the joints, due to inflammation. The primary symptom of gout is an elevated level of uric acid in the bloodstream. A diet rich in the amino acid called purine or a defect in uric acid metabolism are the main causes of this condition. Tophaceous gout, also called chronic gout, occurs in people with long-term elevated uric acid levels, which leads to the formation of large crystals of uric acid in joints. Excess uric acid in the bloodstream can crystallize into monosodium urate, which is deposited on joint cartilage, tendons, and tissues surrounding the joints. Tophaceous gout occurs as deposits of monosodium urate deposits, also called tophi, increase in size. This usually happens after several years of elevated uric acid levels and minor gout symptoms.
