What Causes Gout?
6. Can Gout Cause Joint Damage?
Not only can untreated gout cause the individual immense pain, but it can also eventually lead to extensive joint damage as the attacks grow in severity. If tophi are present underneath the skin, they can grow very large and cause the deterioration of the joint and even damage the surrounding skin.
Additionally, gout typically gets more severe with time, leading to longer, more frequent attacks. The amount of inflammation experienced by the joint can result in erosion of the bones and cartilage surrounding the joint until it completely deformed.
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