
Pseudo Gout occurs quite suddenly and includes sudden swelling in the joints. One joint or many joints may be affected and an episode of pseudo gout may last for a day or two or for weeks on end. Most commonly, pseudo gout affects the knees and it usually occurs in older adults.
The reason pseudo gout received its name is due to the fact that it is quite common to gout. Pseudo gout is comparable to regular gout in the symptoms of sudden and severe pain throughout the knees or other joints. Crystals in the joint lining trigger the episodes. The difference is that gout typically affects individuals big toe joints whereas pseudo gout affects larger joints, like the knees. Also, the crystals in the joint linings that trigger pseudo gout are different than the crystals that cause gout. So, while both conditions are quite similar, they are still markedly different.
Doctors do not know why some crystals form in the joint lining that results in pseudo gout. There is no way to eliminate the crystals from the joint lining, but they can be treated so that the inflammation and pain are relieved. While most people with pseudo gout have their knees affected other joints can be affected including the shoulders, wrists, hands, ankles, and elbows.
Symptoms of pseudo gout include warm joints, swelling, severe pain, and frequent attacks. Some people with the crystals in their joints will experience pseudo gout while others will not. It is unsure why this happens, but it does.
Pseudo gout frequently refers to calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease. Pseudo gout is just one problem that exists within a much larger disease. Those with calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease may also experience a calcification of their joint cartilage, which is known as chondrocalcinosis in addition to joint degeneration. Those with pseudo gout won’t necessarily experience all of these problems, but it is a possibility that sufferers should be aware of.
Individuals at an increases risk of developing pseudo gout include those who are older, have too much iron in their bodies, genetic disorders, and those with joint trauma. If any of the symptoms listed here match symptoms you are experiencing you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider to investigate the problems you are having. Pseudo gout can be treated and the pain and inflammation won’t be as difficult to deal with. Talk with your doctor today to ensure you get relief from the pain.
June 26th, 2009 at 3:14 am
I HAVE PSEUDOGOUT FOR A YEAR. I WAS GIVEN PREDNISONE, 20 MG DOSES AND IN TIME TO CUT IN HALF TO SEE HOW MUCH OF THE DRUG CAN EASE THE PAIN. I STILL GET ATTACKS AND I REALLY DO NOT LIKE TAKING THE PREDNISONE FOR HEALTH REASONS,,,,,DOES ANYONE HAVE SUGGESTIONS, REMEDIES, OTHER DRUGS USED THAT ARE NOT HARMFUL LONG TERM -WISE,,,PLEASE HELP
March 14th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
My 76 yo father has pseudo gout, took the doctors 2 weeks to come up with this diagnosis. The problem is ; he is making poor progress improving. He has several other health issues including cardiac problems. He’s lost weight, looks terrible. The doctors say there isn’t much they can do about it. I’m worried that if this keeps up; he won’t last long. And to top it off, he’s allergic to any aspirin products. It’s tearing me up to see him in pain like this. Any suggestions would be appreciated