Gout Complications
The pain resulting due to gout can greatly interfere with household chores, walking, and everyday activities. People having gout can develop some complications as well, which are more severe and include the following: [7]
Tophi
Tophi are buildups of urate crystals that start forming under the skin in patients with tophaceous gout or chronic gout. Tophi mostly occur in the following parts of the body:
- Wrists
- Hands
- Feet
- Ankles
- Ears
Tophi feel like rigid bumps under the skin and usually do not cause any pain except during gout attacks when there is swelling and inflammation. As tophi keep on growing, they can wear away the surrounding tissues and skin of the joints. The tophi causes harm and eventually joint destruction.