Pseudogout Causes and Treatments
What is pseudogout?
Pseudogout is an arthritic disease that causes sudden painful swelling of the joints.
Pseudogout Causes
Pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) crystals moving from cartilage around and in your joints to the fluid lining the joint. This crystals in the joint cause the immune system to release white blood cells to surround the area and the body sends the chemical message for inflammation to the affected joint.
It isn't clear why these crystals from, but they appear to be related to aging. It is possible to have these crystals in the joints without ever experiencing the symptoms associated with pseudogout. Some risk factors may increase your chance of experiencing symptoms:
- Joint trama
- A family history of symptoms
Aside from pseudogout, CPPD can also cause calcification of joint cartilage (chondrocalcinosis) and joint degeneration.
Pseudogout Symptoms
Symptoms of pseudogout include:
- Swelling of joints
- Warmth in joints
- Severe pain in the joints
Symptoms of pseudogout can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Pseudogout most often affects older patients and the joint most often irritated is the knee.
Pseudogout Treatments
Treatment for pseudogout is very similar to the treatment of gout. In both cases, the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to treat the short term symptoms of pseudogout.
Treatment for the long term will depend on the person. Age, current medications, health, severity of attacks, and medical history will all be considered when determining a treatment regimen.