Gout Misdiagnosed: Pseudo-Gout

                

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The joints swell. The pain comes. Movement is limited. Yes, you have gout. Or do you?

Studies have shown that there is more than one explanation for the mind-deadening agony in the joints, and it is not always due to the high uric acid levels in the blood. This article will give you a run through of what gout is, and what is not.

Gout vs. Pseudo-gout: When gout is not gout

Gout is caused by the crystallization of monosodium urate, or uric acid, in the joints and soft tissues of the body. Generally, this is caused by elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream and by the body's incapacity to dispose of the excess of uric acid. This acid comes primarily from the food we eat.

In contrast, pseudo-gout, which has essentially the same symptoms (inflammation and pain in the joints), is also caused by the crystallization of chemicals in the soft tissues, but by a completely different chemical. The culprit- calcium pyrophosphate. Unlike in the case of true gout, the calcification of the joints does not cause any pain. What does cause the pain however is the body's natural attempt to destroy the calcium crystals in the joints. Called neutrophils, these microscopic soldiers do destroy the crystals, but in doing so they also destroy the live tissue around. This is the true source of pain for pseudo-gout sufferers. Also, because the crystals in the joints inhibit range of movement, muscles and tendons grow tender.

The difference can be seen clearly under a microscope. Fluid extracted from joints with uric acid crystallization looks very different from fluid with calcium pyrophosphate deposits. This makes the diagnosis easier.

Treatment of pseudo-gout: What to do

Since pseudo-gout is usually a byproduct of post-operative dehydration, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids before and after surgery. If a patient already has pseudo-gout, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (pronounced en-seds) such as the generic ibuprofen are used to ease pain and swelling. For intense pain, the doctor may opt to inject a powerful corticosteroid directly into the inflamed joint. This will bring immediate relief, though excessive use of this may result in a weakening of the nearby bone that could cause more problems later on.

Gout provides detailed information on Causes Of Gout, Foods That Cause Gout, Gout, Gout Home Remedy and more. Gout is affiliated with Laser Printers.