Overview

Pseudogout (SOO-doe-gout) 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. The most commonly affected joint is the knee.

Also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease or CPPD, the common term "pseudogout" was coined for the condition's similarity to gout. Crystal deposits within a joint cause both conditions, although the type of crystal differs for each condition.

It isn't clear why crystals form in your joints and cause pseudogout, but the risk increases with age. Treatments can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Pseudogout most commonly affects the knees. Less often, wrists and ankles are involved. In many cases, there are no symptoms. However, during a pseudogout attack, the affected joints are usually:

• Swollen
• Warm
• Severely painful

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have sudden, intense joint pain and swelling.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

Pseudogout has been linked to the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within the affected joint. These crystals become more numerous as people age, appearing in nearly half the population older than age 85. But most people who have these crystal deposits never develop pseudogout. It's not clear why some people have symptoms and others don't.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

Pseudogout signs and symptoms can mimic those of gout and other types of arthritis, so lab and imaging tests are usually necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Lab tests

Blood tests can check for problems with your thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as for a variety of mineral imbalances that have been linked to pseudogout. Your doctor may withdraw a sample of the fluid from your affected joint with a needle to test for the presence of crystals.

Imaging tests

X-rays of your affected joint often can reveal joint damage and crystal deposits in the joint's cartilage.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

The crystal deposits associated with pseudogout can also cause joint damage, which can mimic the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Home treatments may be useful during pseudogout flare-ups. Examples include:

• NSAIDs. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), often are helpful.
• Rest the joint. Try not to use the affected joint for a couple of days.
• Ice. Cold packs can help reduce the inflammation associated with flare-ups.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of pseudogout include:

• Older age. The risk of developing pseudogout increases with age.
• Joint trauma. Trauma to a joint, such as a serious injury or surgery, increases your risk of pseudogout in that joint.
• Genetic disorder. In some families, a predisposition for developing pseudogout is hereditary. These people tend to develop pseudogout at younger ages.
• Mineral imbalances. The risk of pseudogout is higher for people who have excessive calcium or iron in their blood or too little magnesium.
• Other medical conditions. Pseudogout has also been linked to an underactive thyroid gland or an overactive parathyroid gland.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com