Pseudogout (CPPD)

Prevention

There is no way to prevent pseudogout. If your pseudogout is triggered by a medical condition, treating that condition may prevent future attacks of pseudogout. For people with frequent attacks, medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicines, may prevent future attacks.

Treatment

Fluid can be removed from the joint to ease the pressure. In this procedure, called joint aspiration, a needle is inserted into the joint after the area is numbed, to withdraw fluid. Treatment usually also includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or injections of a medication called a glucocorticoid to keep the swelling down. These two treatments usually eliminate symptoms after a few days.

You may also need to take oral corticosteroids for a short time. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine called colchicine to prevent attacks. Occasionally, people with recurrent or chronic pseudogout may develop degenerative joint disease. In this case, surgery (such as joint replacement) may become the only effective treatment.