Even if someone lives a healthy lifestyle and drinks moderately or abstains from alcohol, they may experience pseudogout. This is a different type of arthritic condition. Below is a breakdown of symptoms, causes, and treatment options for each condition. Gout is a sudden form of arthritis that affects the big toe and causes severe pain attacks, tenderness, and redness in the affected joints.
Gout Attack
An attack can last for days or even weeks. Gout is caused when uric acids build up and become crystals. These crystals are deposited in the joints, causing inflammation. Gout attacks often begin at night. Redness and inflammation of the affected joint. Affected joint is difficult to move within its normal capacity. NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), are the most commonly used treatment for gout.
These include naproxen, indomethacin, and ibuprofen. You can reduce your uric acids levels by controlling your diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. Surgery – This is a rare treatment and is only necessary if the joint is severely damaged from repeated attacks.
Pseudogout
Pseudogout, a form of arthritis, is when calcium pyrophosphate crystallines accumulate in joints. Pseudogout is also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPDD), but its symptoms and crystal buildup are very similar to gout. Pseudogout can cause severe pain and swelling in certain joints. This can happen for days or even weeks.
Pseudogout, which is more common than gout, usually affects the big toe first. However, it can also affect the elbows, wrists and ankles. Pseudogout can also become a chronic arthritic condition, which can feel more like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. It is clear that pseudogout is caused by the formation of calcium pyrophosphate crystallines. Chondrocalcinosis is a condition where crystals can eventually build up in the cartilage of a joints.
Conclusion
Pseudogout is not as common as gout and can affect approximately 3% of people in their 60s and 50% of those in their 90s. Surgery is only performed if the joint has suffered severe damage. Both pseudogout and gout are extremely painful conditions caused by crystal deposits in the joints. The main difference is the type and amount of crystals.