Minor aches and pains in muscles in joints are common complaints with older folks. But when joint pain suddenly flares up to a new level of discomfort, you could be experiencing a form of arthritis known as pseudogout, a condition caused by calcium crystals that accumulate in your joints. But taking calcium supplements may not be a contributing factor.
Gout
Gout is a complex form of arthritis that occurs suddenly, marked by severe redness and tenderness in joints. Traditional gout often manifests at the joint near the base of the big toe. In the case of traditional gout, uric acid builds up in your joints when your body produces too much or when your kidneys do not excrete uric acid efficiently. The acid forms sharp, needlelike urate crystals that cause pain, swelling and redness at the joint.
Pseudogout
A similar painful form of arthritis called pseudogout occurs when calcium crystals are to blame. Clinically known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, or CPPD, pseudogout is most common in the elderly and typically manifests at the knee joint. Like the uric crystals in gout, calcium crystals collect in joints and the tissues surrounding them, causing painful inflammation. CPPD can do permanent damage by causing joint cartilage to break down.
Calcium and Pseudogout
While calcium deposits are the cause of pseudogout, dietary calcium is not the culprit. According to MayoClinic.com, CPPD occurs when calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals migrate from joint cartilage and accumulate in the synovium, the lining of your joint where synovial fluid is produced. While many older people have CPPD crystals in their joints, not everyone experiences the pain and inflammation associated with pseudogout. Joint trauma and family history can be contributing factors to pseudogout.
Interventions
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there is no cure for CPPD. Treatments include medications to relieve pain and stiffness and surgery to remove calcium deposits in affected joints. MayoClinic.com recommends exercise that strengthens the muscles and connective tissue surrounding the affected joint. Other strategies include elevating the joint, applying heat and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
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