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Pseudogout vs. Gout
Diabetic Foot Care

Pseudogout vs. Gout

Most of us have heard of gout, but have you heard of pseudogout (pronounced soo-doe-gout)? If you’re experiencing gout symptoms in the foot, ankle, and toes, you know that walking on a gout foot is painful. Could your pain be a result of pseudogout rather than gout?

What’s pseudogout, and what is the difference between gout and pseudogout? What are the symptoms and treatment for gout and pseudogout?

Is Pseudogout the Same as Gout? 

Both pseudogout and gout are common types of arthritis that can flare up in the joints.

“Gout and ‘pseudogout’ – known formally as calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease – have such similar symptoms that it usually takes a microscope to know for sure what you’ve got,” explains the Arthritis Foundation. “Each of these painful forms of arthritis is caused by a different type of crystal in the joints, and remedies differ.”

Gout and pseudogout in the foot, ankle, and toes occurs in some cases. Inflammation from gout and pseudogout is common in other parts of the body, such as the wrist, knees, and elbows. 

Pseudogout and Gout Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

According to the Mayo Clinic, here is a side-by-side comparison of the symptoms, causes, and treatment of gout and pseudogout:

Gout vs. Psuedogout Comparison Chart
Gout Pseudogout
Cause
  • A build-up of uric crystals in the joint due to high levels of uric acid in the blood
  • A build-up of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the joint, however many people with this build-up never experience symptoms, so the trigger of flare-ups remain unknown
Symptoms 
  • Severe joint pain (most commonly in the big toe)
  • Lasting discomfort in the joints
  • Sudden swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth of affected joints
  • Severe joint pain (most commonly in the knees)
  • Sudden swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth of affected joints
Risk factors
  • Related medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc.)
  • Genetics
  • Men between the ages of 30-50 and women after menopause are most at risk
  • A diet rich in purine, fructose, and alcohol
  • Taking medications like low-dose aspirin and hypertension medication
  • Recent trauma, surgery, or vaccination
  • Increases with age
  • Recent trauma, injury, or surgery on a joint 
  • Genetics
  • Too much calcium or iron in blood or too little magnesium
  • Related medical conditions (underactive thyroid gland or overactive parathyroid gland)
Treatment and symptom management
  • Lowering uric acid levels through dietary changes, avoiding foods with high purine levels like seafood and red meat
  • Avoiding drinking alcohol
  • Over the counter pain medication (NSAIDs)
  • Prescription medication (corticosteroids)
  • Exercise and weight-loss 
  • Over the counter pain medication (NSAIDs) 
  • Rest
  • Icing affected area
  • Procedure to drain joint fluid
  • Prescription medication (corticosteroids)

 

Fresno Podiatrist for Gout Treatment

If you are experiencing the symptoms of gout or pseudogout in the feet, ankles, or toes or experiencing toe joint pain, don’t hesitate to contact your podiatrist. Whether you have gout or pseudogout, it’s essential to seek treatment.

“Like gout, CPPD attacks can recur from time to time in the same joint or different joints. The initial attack may last a week to two weeks (or sometimes even longer) unless it’s treated,” says the Cleveland Clinic.”Over time, CPPD attacks may occur more often, involve more joints, have more severe symptoms, and last longer. The frequency of attacks varies. Attacks may occur from once every few weeks to less than once a year. However, frequent, repeated attacks can damage the joints.”

Seeking professional treatment from your podiatrist or general practitioner can help you manage symptoms and avoid long-term joint damage. 

Please contact Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle to schedule an appointment.