Pseudogout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, painful swelling in one or more of your joints. These episodes can last for days or weeks. Pseudogout typically occurs in older adults and most commonly affects your knee. Pseudogout is named for its similarity to gout. Like gout, pseudogout causes sudden, severe pain in a joint, triggered by crystals in the joint lining. But unlike gout, which usually affects your big toe joint, pseudogout usually affects the large joints of your extremities. And pseudogout is caused by a different type of crystal. It isn't clear why crystals form in your joints and cause pseudogout. Although you can't get rid of the crystals, there are treatments to help you relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation of pseudogout.
Pseudogout typically affects the large joints, such as the knees, wrists, and ankles. In general, it occurs with equal frequency in men and women.
Pseudogout is also known by another name: calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD), the basis of which is derived from the calcium deposits that collect in the joint.
Medications can be prescribed to ease the pain, which typically fall into the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory category.
it is unclear what causes the crystals to form, but some speculation exists that "an abnormality in the cartilage cells or connective tissue could be responsible" for their development.
The build-up of salt crystals under the skin, known as pseudogout, is typically caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. These crystals form due to an abnormal accumulation of calcium in the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling. Factors such as aging, genetics, and underlying medical conditions can contribute to the development of pseudogout.
Using a needle, the physician can take a sample of the synovial fluid from the swollen or painful joint to ascertain the presence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
Colchicine can be used to treat pseudogout, as it helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain during acute attacks. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication, as they can provide personalized advice and determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific situation. Other treatment options may also be considered depending on your overall health and the severity of your symptoms.
Crystals are deposited in the joints primarily during conditions like gout and pseudogout. In gout, monosodium urate crystals form due to elevated levels of uric acid, leading to inflammation and pain. Pseudogout involves the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals, which can also cause joint swelling and discomfort. These deposits often occur during periods of metabolic imbalance or joint trauma.
Osteoarthritis, Gout and pseudogout, Lupus and Polymyalgia rheumatica
Mono-articular arthritis of the knee joint can be caused by various conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, gout, pseudogout, and traumatic injury. Evaluation requires a detailed history, physical examination, imaging studies, and possibly joint aspiration for analysis. The diagnosis is typically based on a combination of clinical findings and laboratory tests to differentiate between these different etiologies.
Knee swelling without an injury can be caused by various factors, including arthritis, which leads to inflammation in the joint, or bursitis, where the bursa sacs become inflamed. Conditions like gout or pseudogout can also cause sudden swelling due to crystal deposits in the joint. In some cases, an underlying infection or chronic conditions like tendonitis may contribute to the swelling. If swelling persists, it's advisable to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.