Pseudogout is a form of arthritis that occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals deposit in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. It is called "pseudogout" because it shares some similarities with gout, another type of arthritis caused by the buildup of crystals in the joints, but the crystals involved in pseudogout are different.

Pseudogout can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the knees, wrists, and ankles. Symptoms can include sudden onset of pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint, as well as redness and warmth. The pain and inflammation associated with pseudogout can last for days to weeks, and then usually resolve on their own.

The risk of developing pseudogout increases with age, and it is more common in people with certain underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Pseudogout can also be triggered by injury or trauma to the joint, surgery, or infection.

Diagnosis of pseudogout is typically made through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as X-rays), and analysis of joint fluid. In joint fluid analysis, the presence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of pseudogout may involve medications to reduce pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine. Corticosteroids may also be used for more severe cases or for joints that cannot be treated with NSAIDs or colchicine. In some cases, joint aspiration may be necessary to remove excess fluid and relieve pressure on the joint.

Preventing future episodes of pseudogout may involve treating any underlying medical conditions and taking steps to reduce the risk of joint injury or trauma. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise can also help to reduce the risk of pseudogout and other types of arthritis.

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.

There's no cure for pseudogout, but a combination of treatments can help relieve pain and improve the joint's function.

Medications

If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't enough, your doctor may suggest:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prescription strength NSAIDs include naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others) and indomethacin (Indocin). NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and decreased kidney function, especially in older adults.
• Colchicine (Colcrys). Low-dose pills of this gout drug are also effective for pseudogout. If you have frequent episodes of pseudogout, your doctor may recommend that you take colchicine daily as a preventive measure.
• Corticosteroids. If you can't take NSAIDs or colchicine, your doctor may suggest taking corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation and end the attack. Long-term use of corticosteroids can weaken bones and cause cataracts, diabetes and weight gain.

Joint drainage

To relieve pain and pressure in an affected joint, your doctor inserts a needle and removes some of the joint fluid, which helps remove some of the crystals from the joint. The doctor will then inject the joint with a numbing medication and a corticosteroid to decrease inflammation.