What Are Tophi?

Tophi are large, hardened accumulations of uric acid crystals within and around the joints.

They can cause pain and deformities and affect range of motion.

Preventing Recurrent Gout Flares - Illustration by Ellen Lindner

Verywell / Ellen Lindner

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

What Is Pseudogout?

Pseudogout causes red, painful, and swollen joints.

Hand affected by gout

joloei / Getty Images

Early diagnosis makes gout easier to manage.

Hydration helps in the prevention and treatment of gout, helping to flush out the excess uric acid.

While often the diagnosis may be clinical, healthcare providers may order additional testing to verify their suspicions.

gout in fingers of patient being examined

choi dongsu / Getty Images

Fortunately, medications and modifications can help reduce the severity of attacks and prevent future attacks.

Treatment During a Flare-Up

You never want to start a long-termgout treatmentduring an acute flare-up.

For that reason, it’s best to get the initial flare-up under control prior to initiating chronic therapy.

Gout in fingers of a person

yzhensiang / Getty Images

A healthcare provider can promptly diagnose and treat gout immediately and in the future through numerous methods.

Several lifestyle modifications and proper treatment can further decrease the chance of recurrent gout attacks in the hands.

American College of Rheumatology.Gout.

Ragab G, Elshahaly M, Bardin T.Gout: An old disease in new perspective A review.J Adv Res.

2017;8(5):495-511. doi:10.1016/j.jare.2017.04.008

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

National Institutes of Health.Gout: Diagnosis, treatment and steps to take.

American Academy for Surgery of the Hand.Gout in hands.

Arthritis Foundation.Gout diet: Do’s and don’ts.