Calcium deposit arthritis

Description

Pseudogou or alcium deposit arthritis. Joint inflammation caused by accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals. It usually affects one big joint like knee. The disorder is most frequently found in people over 60. It causes multiple repeated seizures and one seizure may last from several days to several weeks. The exact cause for formation of the crystals is not known.

Symptoms

Joint swelling, pain in the joint, warm joint, pain in moving the joint, recurrence of symptoms.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Arthocentesis (taking the sample of the fluid from the joint with a needle) is applied to examine the joint fluid to the presence of the white blood cells and calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Culture of the fluid is done to exclude the infections. X-rays may also be done to evaluate the condition of the joint.

Tests

X-rays

Additional analyses

Arthrocentesis, analysis of joint fluid, culture of joint fluid.

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Therapy

Treatment may include removal of fluid to reduce the pressure inside the joint (arthocentesis). Steroid injections may be useful for treatment of severely inflamed joints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (brufen/ibuprofen, naproxen), oral steroids and analgesics may be prescribed.