Diseases and Conditions
Pseudogout
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Preparing for an appointment
Overview
Pseudogout (SOO-doe-gout) is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, painful swelling in one or more of your joints. These episodes can last for days or weeks. The most commonly affected joint is the knee.
Also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease or CPPD, the common term "pseudogout" was coined for the condition's similarity to gout. Crystal deposits within a joint cause both conditions, although the type of crystal differs for each condition.
It isn't clear why crystals form in your joints and cause pseudogout, but the risk increases with age. Treatments can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.