How to Treat Pseudogout

Pseudogout is a form of arthritis causing pain, inflammation and stiffness in joints. Crystals, similar to those caused by gout, form in the joints causing arthritis. Since the crystals are almost the same, the two diseases often display the same symptoms, but you can easily see the difference between them under a microscope. The disease usually settles in the knees and wrists of people 60 years and older. Untreated, attacks of pain become more frequent and stronger as the person gets older. It is impossible to cure pseudogout, but the symptoms and attacks of pain can be managed.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Towel
• Ibuprofen or corticosteroid
• Colchicine

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Instructions

• 1

  Ice the joint with ice wrapped in a towel to decrease inflammation when an attack occurs. Rest your body while icing and afterward to give the joints a chance to recover.

• 2

  Take ibuprofen, or another anti-inflammatory drug, to continue to decrease inflammation as long as the attack persists. For those who cannot take these types of drugs, corticosteroids can be prescribed. These are usually given as injections into the joint to remove the crystals caused by the disease, but can also be taken in oral pill form.

• 3

  Reduce the risk of future attacks with low doses of colchicine. This is used over a longer period of time as an anti-inflammatory agent which can decrease bone deterioration.