Pseudogout

Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, painful swelling in one or more joints. This swelling can last for a few days to several weeks. Sometimes, it's called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) — but most people know it as pseudogout because it's similar to another type of arthritis called gout. Both pseudogout and gout involve crystals forming inside a joint, but the crystals are different in each condition.

What causes these crystals to form in the joints and trigger pseudogout isn't fully understood. However, it's more common as people get older. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage the pain and reduce the inflammation.

Pseudogout is a condition that often causes pain and swelling in the joints. Most commonly, it affects the knees, but it can also impact the wrists and ankles. During a pseudogout attack, the affected joints will typically feel:

• Swollen: The joint area will look larger than usual.
• Warm: You'll notice the joint feels warmer than the surrounding skin.
• Severely painful: The pain will be intense and hard to ignore.

If you experience sudden, severe joint pain and swelling, it's important to see a doctor right away.

If you experience a sudden, sharp pain and swelling in your joints, see a doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious problem, like an injury or an infection. Don't try to treat it yourself, as delaying care could make the problem worse. Prompt medical attention is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pseudogout happens when tiny crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate build up in a joint. These crystals are more common as people get older; nearly half of those over 85 have them. However, most people with these crystals don't experience any problems. Scientists don't yet fully understand why some people with these crystals develop pseudogout symptoms, while others don't.

Pseudogout is a type of arthritis. Several things can make you more likely to get it.

• Getting older: As you age, your risk of pseudogout goes up. This is because the risk increases over time.

• Joint injuries: If you injure a joint, whether through an accident or surgery, that joint becomes more prone to pseudogout. This is because the injury can disrupt the balance of substances in the joint.

• Family history: Sometimes, pseudogout runs in families. If you have a family member with pseudogout, you might be more likely to develop it, and possibly at a younger age. This suggests a genetic predisposition.

• Mineral problems: Having too much calcium or iron in your blood, or too little magnesium, can increase your risk of pseudogout. These minerals play a role in joint health, and imbalances can contribute to the condition.

• Other health issues: Pseudogout has been linked to certain medical conditions. For example, an underactive thyroid or an overactive parathyroid gland can increase your susceptibility. These conditions can affect the body's overall mineral balance and contribute to joint problems.

Pseudogout, a condition where crystals form in joints, can lead to joint damage. This damage can look a lot like the joint problems seen in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In other words, the symptoms of joint pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by pseudogout crystal buildup can be similar to those of other joint diseases.

Pseudogout can feel a lot like gout or other arthritis. To be sure it's pseudogout, doctors usually need to run some tests.

Doctors might check your blood to see if there are problems with your thyroid or parathyroid glands, or if you have any mineral levels that are off. These things have been connected to pseudogout.

Sometimes, a doctor will take a small sample of fluid from the affected joint using a needle. This is called a joint aspiration or arthrocentesis. The fluid is checked for crystals that are often present in pseudogout.

X-rays of the affected joint can also help. X-rays can show if there's any damage to the joint or if there are crystals in the joint's cartilage. This helps doctors make a precise diagnosis.

Pseudogout doesn't have a cure, but several treatments can help ease pain and improve joint function.

Medications:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: If these aren't strong enough, your doctor might suggest stronger options.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths. Examples include naproxen and indomethacin. NSAIDs can sometimes cause stomach problems and kidney issues, especially in older people. It's important to talk to your doctor about potential side effects.
• Colchicine: This medicine, often used for gout, can also help with pseudogout. Your doctor might prescribe it in low doses, or even suggest taking it daily as a preventative measure if you have frequent pseudogout attacks. Be sure to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor.
• Corticosteroids: If NSAIDs or colchicine aren't suitable, corticosteroids like prednisone can reduce inflammation and stop an attack. However, long-term use of corticosteroids can have side effects, including weakening bones, cataracts, diabetes, and weight gain. Your doctor will carefully consider the benefits and risks.

Joint Drainage (Aspiration):

Sometimes, removing some of the fluid from the affected joint can ease pain and pressure. A small needle is used to draw out the fluid. This process also helps remove some of the crystals causing the problem. Afterward, a numbing medication and a corticosteroid are often injected into the joint to further reduce inflammation.

Important Note: It's crucial to talk to your doctor about which treatment options are best for you. Your specific needs and health conditions will determine the most appropriate approach. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort from pseudogout, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.