Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that causes pain, redness,
heat, and swelling in many joints, symptoms that resemble those
of gout. Unlike gout, however, the symptoms of pseudogout are
caused by deposits of tiny crystals of calcium pyrophosphate
dihydrate rather than uric acid. In pseudogout, the joint most
often affected is the knee. Over time, pseudogout may damage the
cartilage of the joint. As this happens, the bones rub together
and cause joint pain. Pseudogout usually affects people in their
60s and is rarely seen in people younger than 30. Pseudogout
usually can be relieved with treatment, which may involve
steroid medications (either oral or injected), aspirating the
joint to relieve pressure, or taking colchicine medication.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may help
ease painful attacks. eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from
Healthwise To learn more visit Healthwise.org © 1995-2012
Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every
health decision, and the Healthwise log