Pseudogout and its treatment methods
Posted on: 28/May/2019 3:41:49 PM
What is Pseudogout? It is a form of arthritis where the victim experiences sudden swelling in body joints. The pain thus experienced will be episodic and continue on for a few days. Generally, knee joint is the most commonly affected body part. Pseudogout is also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.
The reason behind Pseudogout given as the name for the disease is that the symptoms are quite the same as gout. The main cause for either of the conditions is crystal deposits. As we age, the condition gets worse. There are several treatment measures taken for the condition so as to reduce pain.
Let’s understand Pseudogout in-detail
Pseudogout condition is where a person gets inflammation in the joint region. The reason for such inflammation is crystals deposit which is calcium pyrophosphate. These deposits form around the joints.
In case of gout, the symptoms are quite similar. The difference between the conditions is with the causative crystals. In case of gout, the crystals thus causing the condition is monosodium urate.
Based on the type of crystal causing the condition, the appearance of the condition varies too. One can very easily identify the condition by inspecting the joint through microscope. With that, the doctors will be able to figure out the cause for inflammation. In a few causes, pseudogout and gout may occur together where both kinds of crystals are deposited around the join areas.
When the conditions of pseudogout is left untreated, it may lead to severe painful swelling. A few cases may even worse and affect other body parts like hips, shoulders, toes, ankles, knuckles, elbows, etc.
What are the causes?
Coming on to the causes of pseudogout, here is no clarity with the cause for the condition. However, doctors say the condition worsens with age. In cases where cartilage along joints experiences calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals, it ends up with pseudogout. The crystals are emitted into the fluid present along joints. This leads to pain and swelling. This condition also has association with degenerative arthritis.
When a person experiences pseudogout, and also undergoes dehydration, it leads to acute attack. In a few patients, hormonal imbalances may have its impact on calcium metabolism thus resulting in hyperparathyroidism.
Risks of pseudogout
There are a few factors that raises the risk elements of pseudogout. This includes genetics where individuals tend to develop pseudogout as a result of hereditary. This usually occurs in very young age. They may a also experience joint trauma which is a kind of injury. This may eventually cause pseudogout. As a person ages, the risk factors of the condition will get worse. And there may be mineral imbalances such as improper levels of iron or calcium and extreme low magnesium levels. The person may also experience thyroid glands that are underactive.
What are the most common pseudogout symptoms?
Pseudogout can be identified with a few symptoms as below
Sudden pain or swelling of joint areas. And the areas feel warm and turns purple or red when touched.
Tenderness in the affected joint areas
Persistent swelling of the affected area
Similarities with rheumatoid arthritis
In case of severe inflammation, it gives rise to difficulty or loss of motion, and functioning of joint s
How to diagnose pseudogout? For diagnosing and affirming the condition, one may have to undergo imaging testing. Blood tests may be required to inspect thyroid and parathyroid glands. The mineral imbalances are also checked. Furthermore, joint fluids are extracted from the affected joint regions to identify if any crystals are present.
How to treat pseudogout?
There is no targeted treatment to pseudogout. However, there are combinational that subsides pain and brings improvement in functionality of joints. The practitioner may suggest drugs to curb the condition, but in a few cases, these drugs may lead to consequences like bleeding stomach or decrease in functioning of kidney, etc.
How to manage living with pseudogout conditions?
As said above, there is no permanent cure to pseudogout. The best way to handle the condition is by alleviating its symptoms. You may try using cold water bag to reduce inflammation. Get enough rest without making more use of the joints that are affected.
