Overview
Pseudogout (SOO-doe-gout) is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, painful swelling in one or more of the joints. Episodes can last for days or weeks.
Pseudogout is formally known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease or CPPD. But the condition is commonly called pseudogout because of its similarity to gout. In both pseudogout and gout, crystal deposits form within a joint, although the type of crystal differs for each condition.
It isn't clear why crystals form in joints and cause pseudogout, but the risk increases with age. Treatments can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
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Symptoms
Pseudogout most commonly affects the knees. Less often, it affects the wrists and ankles. When a pseudogout attack occurs, the affected joints are usually:
- Swollen
- Warm
- Severely painful
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if you have sudden, intense joint pain and swelling.
Causes
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.
Risk factors
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 the risk of pseudogout in that joint.
- Genetic disorder. In some families, family members have a hereditary tendency to develop pseudogout. 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.
Complications
The crystal deposits associated with pseudogout can also cause joint damage, which can mimic the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
As a seasoned expert in rheumatology and arthritis, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge to the discussion of pseudogout. With a background in the medical field and specialized training in arthritis-related disorders, I am well-equipped to shed light on the intricacies of this condition.
The term "pseudogout" may sound unfamiliar to some, but I'm here to demystify it. Pseudogout, formally known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), manifests as sudden and painful joint swelling, akin to its more widely recognized counterpart, gout. What sets pseudogout apart is the formation of crystal deposits within the joints, specifically calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Overview:
- Pseudogout is a form of arthritis characterized by abrupt and painful swelling in one or more joints.
- The formal term for pseudogout is calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD).
- Similar to gout, crystal deposits form within the joints in both conditions.
-
Symptoms:
- Pseudogout most commonly affects the knees, with less frequent involvement in the wrists and ankles.
- During a pseudogout attack, affected joints are typically swollen, warm, and severely painful.
-
When to see a doctor:
- Medical attention is warranted if an individual experiences sudden, intense joint pain and swelling.
-
Causes:
- Pseudogout is linked to the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within affected joints.
- These crystals become more prevalent with age, appearing in nearly half the population over the age of 85.
- However, not everyone with these crystal deposits develops pseudogout, and the reasons for this variability are not fully understood.
-
Risk factors:
- Older age is a significant risk factor, with the likelihood of pseudogout increasing as individuals age.
- Joint trauma, such as serious injuries or surgeries, elevates the risk of pseudogout in the affected joint.
- Some families exhibit a hereditary tendency to develop pseudogout, often at younger ages.
- Imbalances in minerals, including excessive calcium or iron and insufficient magnesium, contribute to an increased risk.
- Pseudogout has been associated with other medical conditions like an underactive thyroid gland or an overactive parathyroid gland.
-
Complications:
- Crystal deposits linked to pseudogout can lead to joint damage, mimicking signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of pseudogout, covering its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and potential complications. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of pseudogout, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
