Pseudogout
What is pseudogout?
Pseudogout is a kind of arthritis and is a common problem for older adults. Deposits of calcium crystals in joints cause attacks of pain, stiffness, and swelling, similar to the symptoms of gout. The disease is also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD).
The joints most commonly affected by pseudogout are the elbows, wrists, ankles, knees, and finger and toe joints. Sometimes the hips and shoulders are affected. In contrast, gout usually affects just one joint, usually at the base of the big toe.
How does it occur?
The cause of pseudogout is not known. Risk factors include:
- taking diuretics (medicines that help rid your body of excess fluid)
- being immobile
- being dehydrated.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling around affected joints.
How is it diagnosed?
Pseudogout is diagnosed by removing fluid samples from the joint with a needle to look for crystals. You may have X-rays of your joints to look for signs of calcium deposits.
How is it treated?
Treating a sudden attack of pseudogout mainly involves relieving the pain by:
- putting an ice bag on the painful joint
- limiting movement of the painful joint
- removing excess fluid from the joint
- taking pain medicine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs used to treat pain and inflammation. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are NSAIDs that you may buy with or without a prescription. Adults 65 years old or older should not take NSAIDs for more than 7 days without their healthcare provider's approval. NSAIDs help reduce pain and swelling but they can cause kidney and stomach problems. COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex) are prescription NSAIDs. COX-2 drugs may cause fewer stomach problems than other NSAIDs. While they may help arthritis symptoms, COX-2 inhibitors have been linked to a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke and are seldom the first treatment tried. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you cannot take NSAIDS, sometimes a drug called colchicine is prescribed to reduce the inflammation, but it can cause diarrhea and nausea.
In some cases, corticosteroid medications such as prednisone may be given to reduce pain and swelling. These medicines are either taken by mouth or given as a shot into the affected joint. Corticosteroid drugs can cause a variety of side effects, especially when taken in high dosages or over a long period of time.
How long will the effects last?
People who get pseudogout may have more attacks in the future.
In severe cases, the disease may damage your joints.
How can I help take care of myself?
- Follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan.
- Tell your provider right away if you think you are having side effects from medicine you are taking.
What can I do to prevent pseudogout?
People who have had pseudogout attacks may prevent future attacks by taking colchicine. Some people who have repeated, severe attacks may have to take the medicine every day.
In addition:
- Avoid taking diuretics.
- Drink enough liquids so that you avoid becoming dehydrated, especially in hot weather.
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Published by RelayHealth.
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