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
June 5th, 2011 at 9:12 am
[...] Pseudo GoutHome remedies and natural cures for Pseudo Gout. Information on diet and the causes of Pseudo Gout. … Pseudo Gout occurs quite suddenly and includes sudden swelling in the joints. One joint or many joints may be affected and … The reason pseudo gout received its name is due to the fact that it is quite common to gout. [...]
June 7th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
I am having a pseudo gout attack in my right knee now, It definitely mimicks gout, but mine is most painful when my leg is extended while trying to sleep. At night it is hell, and I am thinking of sleeping sitting up. Im not sure why people say to use Naproxin Sodium or Ibuprofen, because it doesn’t do squat as far as the pain is concerned. I am taking celebrex and it doesn’t do crap either. A serious prescription pain releiver is needed for this, but most doctors, that have probably never had gout think these measly otc’s will work. THEY DO NOT WORK, and you cant get any sleep with this demon chewing on your knee.
I was not able to use ice either, as it made my knee ache in agony. I will go and listen to a rhumatologist tell me to take an aspirin but I have found them to be nuts, and unaware of how much pain gout and pseudo-gout causes. The wierd part of mine is that I can walk on it ok, its when I lie down that it aches.
Is this normal?
JimA
July 12th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
My right knee has swelled up about 5 times in the passed 7 years, Doctors have told me is some form of gout , I believe pheodogout, the 1st time I was able to fast and it went away, now it seems to linger for a month or 2, I have tried taking a steriod and it did not do anything but make me have a moon face.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
August 25th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Why do all these Natural articles on pseudogout talk about the symptoms and causes, but do not give any information on natural remedies. Does anyone know of an herbal medicine my husband can take for his pseudogout? They also fail to mention that many times pseudogout is caused by thyroid or parathyroid problems. If you have pseudogout and get thyroid supplementation, it may cure the pseudogout.