8. Collection of uric acid throughout the body
In most people who suffer from gout, the excessive buildup of uric acid accumulates around the joint of the big toe; however, when the uric acid collection is severe, it can affect other parts of the body, too. For example, it can also collect in the joints that surround the fingers, the ankles, the elbows, and the hands.
Hard nodules could also develop as a result of the excessive uric acid buildup, and those nodules can be felt throughout the body, including the ear lobes and ankles. This buildup of uric acid throughout the body is known as tophi. A biopsy of the nodules will reveal whether or not they contain uric acid, which will determine if they are caused by gout.