About pseudogout

What is pseudogout?

Pseudogout facts

  • Pseudogout is caused by crystals in a joint.
  • Pseudogout causes arthritis (joint inflammation).
  • Pseudogout can cause calcification of cartilage.
  • The arthritis of pseudogout is diagnosed by detecting typical crystals in joint fluid.
  • Treatment of pseudogout is directed at the inflammation.
  • Pseudogout can be associated with other illnesses.

What is pseudogout?

Pseudogout is a type of inflammation of joints (arthritis) that is caused by deposits of crystals, called calcium pyrophosphate, in and around the joints. Pseudogout literally means "false gout." It derives its name from its similarity to gout.

Pseudogout has many similarities to true gout, which also can cause arthritis. However, the crystal that incites the inflammation of gout is monosodium urate. The crystals that cause pseudogout and gout each have distinct appearances when joint fluid containing them is viewed under a microscope. This makes it possible to precisely identify the cause of the joint inflammation when joint fluid is available.

Pseudogout has been reported to occasionally coexist with gout. This means that the two types crystals can sometimes be found in the same joint fluid. Researchers have also noted that the cartilage of patients who had both forms of crystals in their joint fluid was often visibly calcified, as seen on X-ray images.

What are the symptoms for pseudogout?

Pseudogout most commonly affects the knees. Less often, wrists and ankles are involved. In many cases, there are no symptoms. However, during a pseudogout attack, the affected joints are usually:

  • Swollen
  • Warm
  • Severely painful

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have sudden, intense joint Pain and swelling.

What are the causes for pseudogout?

Pseudogout has been linked to the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within the affected joint. These crystals become more numerous as people age, appearing in nearly half the population older than age 85. But most people who have these crystal deposits never develop pseudogout. It's not clear why some people have symptoms and others don't.

What are the treatments for pseudogout?

There's no cure for pseudogout, but a combination of treatments can help relieve pain and improve the joint's function.

Medications

If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't enough, your doctor may suggest:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prescription strength NSAIDs include naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others) and indomethacin (Indocin). NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and decreased kidney function, especially in older adults.
  • Colchicine (Colcrys). Low-dose pills of this gout drug are also effective for pseudogout. If you have frequent episodes of pseudogout, your doctor may recommend that you take colchicine daily as a preventive measure.
  • Corticosteroids. If you can't take NSAIDs or colchicine, your doctor may suggest taking corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation and end the attack. Long-term use of corticosteroids can weaken bones and cause cataracts, diabetes and weight gain.

Joint drainage

To relieve pain and pressure in an affected joint, your doctor inserts a needle and removes some of the joint fluid, which helps remove some of the crystals from the joint. The doctor will then inject the joint with a numbing medication and a corticosteroid to decrease inflammation.

What are the risk factors for pseudogout?

Factors that can increase your risk of pseudogout include:

  • Older age. The risk of developing pseudogout increases with age.
  • Joint trauma. Trauma to a joint, such as a serious injury or surgery, increases your risk of pseudogout in that joint.
  • Genetic disorder. In some families, a predisposition for developing pseudogout is hereditary. These people tend to develop pseudogout at younger ages.
  • Mineral imbalances. The risk of pseudogout is higher for people who have excessive calcium or iron in their blood or too little magnesium.
  • Other medical conditions. Pseudogout has also been linked to an underactive thyroid gland or an overactive parathyroid gland.

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