Gout and Pseudogout
If you suffer from gout and pseudogout, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is Gout and Pseudogout?
Gout refers to a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals that accumulate inside and around joints. High levels of uric acid in the blood can cause crystal formation, which triggers inflammation and sudden joint pain. Gout commonly affects the big toe but can also affect the ankles, knees, feet, wrists, and fingers.
Pseudogout refers to a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals that collect inside joints. These crystals trigger inflammation and can cause sudden pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness. Pseudogout commonly affects the knees and wrists but can also affect other joints.
Gout
A gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation. Uric acid is a normal waste product that is produced when the body breaks down purines, substances found in certain foods and beverages. In gout, uric acid levels become elevated, and the excess uric acid forms crystals that deposit in the joints, particularly in the big toe, but can also affect other joints such as the ankle, knee, or wrist. Gout attacks are often characterized by sudden and intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. The symptoms can be triggered by factors like dietary choices, alcohol consumption, obesity, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.
Pseudogout
Pseudogout, on the other hand, is a condition in which calcium pyrophosphate crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation. It is similar to gout in terms of symptoms and joint involvement, but the crystals involved are different. Pseudogout is more commonly seen in older individuals and can affect various joints, including the knees, wrists, ankles, or shoulders. The symptoms of pseudogout can be similar to gout, including sudden pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. Pseudogout attacks can also be triggered by certain factors such as joint injury, surgery, or underlying medical conditions.
Treatment Options for Gout and Pseudogout
Gout treatment depends on attack severity and the patient’s overall condition. For mild attacks, doctors may recommend colchicine, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Severe attacks may require corticosteroid injections into the affected joint or stronger anti-inflammatory treatment. For recurrent or advanced gout, doctors may prescribe urate-lowering medicines such as allopurinol or febuxostat to lower uric acid and help prevent future attacks.
Pseudogout, also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), requires treatment that focuses on controlling inflammation because current medicines cannot remove CPP crystals. For mild attacks, doctors may recommend NSAIDs, colchicine, or oral corticosteroids. Severe attacks may require drainage of joint fluid followed by a corticosteroid injection. For frequent attacks, doctors may use preventive colchicine, NSAIDs, or low-dose corticosteroids.
If you would like to speak to a Texas-Based Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us online. Telemedicine appointments are also available.
