Gout is a condition that can be challenging to diagnose, as the symptoms of this condition might mimic the health issues caused by several other health conditions including arthritis. Therefore, if you experience symptoms like pain, stiffness, inflammation, etc. in the joints, especially in the big toe, then it is important to consult your healthcare provider who can conduct different tests to identify the condition you are suffering from.
Another condition that might be mistaken for gout is pseudogout which can create similar symptoms. Therefore, to differentiate between these conditions, you have to be aware of them well. Hence, we list some of the important things you want to know about gout and pseudogout through this article.
What Is Gout?
Gout, a chronic ailment that can affect your normal life because of the excruciating pain caused by it, can be a result of the accumulation of uric acid crystals in different parts of the body including the joints. When the amounts of uric acid in the blood are excess, then it can trigger the production of uric acid crystals that can travel through the bloodstream and get accumulated in joints and other organs.
Some of the common gout symptoms are pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints. Additionally, it can affect the mobility of joints and lead to their deformity. Gout can also affect different internal organs like kidneys and lead to their failure. Therefore, if you are suffering from this condition, it is significant for you to take gout medications to prevent various complications arising from it.
Pseudogout
Pseudogout can be mistaken for gout, as its symptoms are similar to that of the latter. But the intensity of symptoms caused by pseudogout can be lower in comparison with gout. It develops when calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals accumulate in the joints. When these crystals build up in the joints, it can cause sudden attacks similar to gout.
The reasons behind the abnormal accumulation of CPP crystals are not clearly known. However, it can hereditary or because of the actions of abnormal cells in the cartilage of the joints. Additionally, some health conditions, surgery, or joint damage can also contribute to the accumulation of CPP crystals in joints.
Even though pseudogout can affect your big toe like gout, it is commonly found in some other joints like elbows, shoulders, hips, and fingertips.
So if you are suffering from pain and inflammation in joints, make sure to consult your doctor to effectively determine the health condition you are suffering from so that you can take the proper treatment.
