Pseudogout – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Pseudogout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, painful joint swelling lasting from days to weeks. This condition is formally called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD). It earned its common name due to similarities with gout.

Both conditions involve crystal deposits within joints, though the crystal types differ.

The exact cause of crystal formation in pseudogout remains unclear. However, age is a significant risk factor – older adults are more likely to develop this condition. The good news is that effective treatments exist to help manage symptoms.

Key Facts About Pseudogout:

• Also known as CPPD
• Characterized by sudden joint pain and swelling
• Similar to gout but involves different crystals
• Risk increases with age
• Treatable symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Pseudogout typically affects knee joints most frequently. The wrists and ankles may also be affected, but this happens less often.

During a pseudogout attack, affected joints usually show these symptoms:

• Sharp, intense pain that begins suddenly
• Swollen, warm, and tender joint
• Redness around the joint

Occasional symptoms may also occur, especially during or shortly before an acute flare-up, and can include:

• Fatigue or malaise
• Low-grade fever

Pseudogout commonly affects one joint at a time, although more than one joint can be involved in some cases. People often experience difficulty moving the affected joint and stiffness, especially during flare-ups.

These episodes can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, with symptom severity varying between individuals.

Medical Attention

If you experience sudden joint pain with intense swelling, you should contact a healthcare provider right away. Quick medical evaluation can help determine the cause and proper treatment for your joint symptoms.

Causes

Pseudogout develops when calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals form within joints. These crystal deposits become more common with age, occurring in about half of people over 85 years old.

However, having these crystals doesn’t always lead to pseudogout symptoms. Many people with crystal deposits never experience pain or inflammation.

Scientists haven’t fully determined why some people with these crystals develop painful symptoms while others remain symptom-free.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chances of getting pseudogout:

• Age: Older people face a higher risk.
• Joint Damage: Previous injuries or surgeries to a joint make it more vulnerable.
• Family History: Some people inherit a tendency for pseudogout and develop it younger.
• Mineral Problems: Too much calcium or iron in the blood, or not enough magnesium.
• Thyroid Issues: Both underactive thyroid glands and overactive parathyroid glands are linked to pseudogout.

Complications

Pseudogout, or calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease, can lead to several complications if left untreated. The most significant concern is joint damage that develops over time.

The crystal deposits in joints can cause ongoing inflammation and deterioration of joint tissues. This damage often resembles other arthritic conditions, making diagnosis challenging in some cases.

Many patients with CPPD are misdiagnosed with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis due to similar symptoms. The key difference is the presence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the affected joints.

Common complications include:

• Progressive joint damage
• Chronic joint pain
• Reduced mobility
• Decreased quality of life
• Difficulty performing daily activities

Long-term crystal deposits can lead to permanent changes in joint structure and function. These changes may include joint deformity, limited range of motion, and persistent discomfort even between acute attacks.

Some patients develop a chronic form of the disease that causes ongoing low-level inflammation. This persistent inflammation contributes to gradual joint deterioration over months or years.

Regular monitoring by a rheumatologist is recommended for patients with CPPD. This helps track disease progression and adjust treatment plans as needed to minimize complications.

Joint protection strategies, including proper body mechanics and assistive devices, may help reduce stress on affected joints and prevent further damage.