PSEUDOGOUT

 Basic information

description

Pseudogout is an acute (sudden), inflammatory form of arthritis that usually involves the large joints of the body. It most often affects older adults. It usually occurs in acute attacks, but often the disease may progress without the attacks.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Acute attacks of swelling, pain, and warmth in one or more of the joints.
• Joints involved most often are the knee (50% of the time), ankle, wrist, and shoulder.
• Attacks may last for 2 or more days (up to 2 weeks).
• Freedom from pain or less severe pain between attacks.
• Limited range of motion of the joints.
• Fever.

causes

Pseudogout involves deposits of calcium crystals in and around the joints. The medical term is calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD). Why the crystals form is unknown. The joint becomes inflamed leading to problems with cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that all connect to the joint. It is similar to gout, which is caused by a different type of crystal deposit.

risk increases with

• Trauma (injury).
• Aging.
• Metabolic diseases (e.g., hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or hemochromatosis).
• Family history of pseudogout.
• Eating too much calcium is not a risk factor.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None known.

expected outcomes

There is no cure. Treatment can usually help relieve the symptoms.

possible complications

• Recurrences of the attacks.
• Permanent joint damage.
• Depression or other emotional problems may occur.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam of the affected area and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include blood studies, a microscopic exam of a sample of joint fluid, and x-rays.
• Treatment may include drugs, physical therapy, exercise, and self-care.
• Drainage of joint fluid from the inflamed joint may be done to relieve pain and pressure.
• Rarely, joint surgery (e.g., joint replacement) may be recommended.
• Self-care:
  • Apply ice to the affected area several times a day for the first 2 to 3 days to reduce swelling and pain.
  • After a few days, heat may help discomfort. Use warm, moist compresses or heating pad, or take warm baths.
• To learn more, do an Internet search or visit a library.

medications

• Use acetaminophen for pain.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed for pain and inflammation.
• Stronger pain medicine may be prescribed.
• A corticosteroid injection into the joint may be given to help relieve symptoms. An oral corticosteroid may be prescribed if other treatments fail to help.
• Colchicine, an antigout drug, may be prescribed.

activity

• Rest as needed during an acute attack.
• If an affected joint causes pain when walking, use a cane, crutches, or a walker temporarily.
• Physical therapy may be prescribed to help maintain range of motion. You may be taught exercises to do at home. These will help keep joints and muscles flexible, strong, and functioning as well as possible.
• Swimming, water aerobics, or riding an exercise bike are good forms of exercise.
• Avoid heavy lifting or other tasks that put too much stress on your joints.

diet

Avoid gaining weight. If your weight is a problem, a weight-loss diet may be recommended.

 notify our office if

• If you or a family member has pseudogout symptoms.
• Symptoms worsen after treatment begins.
• New or unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may cause side effects.

Special Notes: