Pseudogout

Diagnosis

Pseudogout symptoms are similar to those of gout and other types of arthritis, so lab and imaging tests typically are necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Tests

Blood tests assess the function of your thyroid and parathyroid glands. And they can find mineral imbalances linked to pseudogout.

To test the fluid in your affected joint for the presence of crystals, your healthcare professional may withdraw a sample of the fluid with a needle. This procedure is called joint aspiration. It's also known as arthrocentesis.

X-rays can show joint damage and crystal deposits in the joint's cartilage.

Treatment

There's no cure for pseudogout, but a combination of treatments can help relieve pain and improve the joint's function.

Medications

Pseudogout is treated with medicines that lessen pain and swelling during flare-ups and help prevent future episodes. If pain medicines you buy without a prescription don't lessen your pain, your healthcare professional may prescribe one or more of these medicines:

• Prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs. Prescription-strength NSAIDs include naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others) and indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, others). NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and lessen kidney function, especially in older adults.
• Colchicine. During a flare-up, colchicine (Colcrys, others) may help reduce pain and inflammation. And if you have frequent episodes of pseudogout, your healthcare professional may prescribe a low daily dose of colchicine to prevent future attacks.
• Corticosteroids. If you can't take NSAIDs or colchicine, your healthcare professional may suggest taking corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation and end the attack. Long-term use of corticosteroids can weaken bones and cause cataracts, diabetes and weight gain. And long-term use may cause a number of other side effects. Use corticosteroids only as your healthcare professional tells you.

Joint drainage

Removing fluid from a swollen joint may help ease pain and pressure. During this procedure, a healthcare professional uses a needle to withdraw a sample of fluid from the joint. This is called joint aspiration or arthrocentesis. This not only relieves discomfort but also removes some of the crystals that may cause inflammation. After the fluid is removed, a numbing medicine and a corticosteroid may be injected into the joint to relieve pain and lessen inflammation.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Home treatments may help lessen pain and inflammation during pseudogout flare-ups. Examples include:

• NSAIDs you can buy without a prescription. NSAIDs you can buy without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), often are helpful.
• Rest the joint. Try not to use the affected joint for a couple of days. This can lessen inflammation and help healing.
• Apply ice. Using cold packs on the inflamed joint may provide relief by numbing the area and lessening swelling. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the joint for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

Preparing for your appointment

You'll likely first see your primary healthcare professional. After an initial exam, your healthcare professional may refer you to a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have you had these symptoms before?
• Does any activity or position make your joint feel better or worse?
• Have you ever injured this joint?
• Do you have any other medical conditions?
• Has anyone in your family had joint conditions?
• What medicines or supplements do you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

A healthcare professional who sees you for symptoms common to pseudogout may ask several questions. You may be asked:

• What are your symptoms?
• What part or parts of your body are affected?
• Do your symptoms come and go?
• How long do symptoms last?
• Have your symptoms worsened over time?
• Did anything seem to trigger your symptoms, such as injury, overuse of the joint, dehydration, recent surgeries or other illnesses?
• Have you tried any treatments? Has anything helped?