Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe joint pain. It most often affects the knee, but it can also affect other joints such as the shoulder, elbow, or wrist. The pain of pseudogout is caused by the buildup of calcium crystals in the joint.
Pseudogout is more common in older adults, but it can occur at any age. Treatment for pseudogout typically involves pain relief and the use of anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the calcium pyrophosphate crystals from the joint.
What Is Pseudogout
Pseudogout (SOO-doe-gout) is an arthritic condition that causes abrupt, severe swelling in one or more joints. These bouts might last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The knee is the most usually affected joint.
Because of the condition’s resemblance to gout, it’s also known as CPPD ( calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease)crystals. The word “pseudogout” was invented to describe it. Both disorders are caused by crystal deposits within a joint, albeit the sort of crystal varies depending on the state.
Monosodium urate crystals grow in and around the joint as a result of high uric acid levels, causing inflammation and joint degeneration.
It’s unclear why calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposits accumulate in your joints and create pseudogout, but the risk grows as you become older. Treatments can aid with pain relief and inflammation reduction.
Symptoms
The knees are the most usually affected by pseudogout. Wrists and ankles are implicated less frequently. There are no symptoms in many cases. During a pseudogout attack, however, commonly affects joints are typical:
- painful joint
- Warm
- painful swelling
Causes Of Pseudogout
The presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals inside the afflicted joint has indeed been associated with pseudogout. As people get older, these crystals become increasingly common, with over half of the population over 85 years old possessing them.
The vast majority of persons who have these crystal deposits, on the other hand, never develop pseudogout. Why certain people get symptoms while others do not is unknown.
How Is Pseudogout Diagnosed?
Your doctor may take a sample of your joint fluid to look for crystals that cause pseudogout. X-rays may also reveal crystallization or evidence of joint deterioration.
Treatment
If you experience frequent pseudogout attacks, your doctor may advise you to take colchicine every day as a preventative step. Corticosteroids. If you are unable to take NSAIDs or colchicine, for effective treatment your doctor may recommend that you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs pills, to reduce inflammation and end the attack.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you develop sudden, severe joint pain and swelling, make an appointment with your doctor.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase your risk of pseudogout include:
Genetic Disorder
In certain families, a proclivity towards pseudogout runs in the family. Pseudogout is more common in these persons as they get older.
Mineral Imbalances
People with too much calcium or iron in their blood, or too little magnesium, are more likely to develop pseudogout.
Older Age
The risk of developing pseudogout increases with age.
Joint Trauma
The presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals inside the afflicted joint has indeed been associated with pseudogout. As people get older, these crystals become increasingly common, with over half of the population over 85 years old possessing them.
Mineral Deficiency
People with too much calcium or iron in their blood, or too little magnesium, are more likely to develop pseudogout.
Other Medical Problems
Pseudogout has also been connected to an overactive parathyroid gland or overactive thyroid gland.
Complication
Pseudogout crystal deposits can also cause joint degeneration, which can resemble the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.