Gout vs. Pseudogout — What's the Difference?

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint. Pain typically comes on rapidly, reaching maximal intensity in less than 12 hours.

A type of arthritis caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition.

A disturbance of uric-acid metabolism occurring chiefly in males, characterized by painful inflammation of the joints, especially of the feet and hands, and arthritic attacks resulting from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of urate crystals around the joints. The condition can become chronic and result in deformity.

A medical disorder linked to age, genetics, and mineral imbalances.

A large blob or clot

A joint condition resembling Gout but with different causative crystals.

An extremely painful inflammation of joints, especially of the big toe, caused by a metabolic defect resulting in the accumulation of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of urates around the joints.

An inflammatory ailment targeting larger joints.

A spurt or splotch.

A condition resulting in sudden, painful joint flare-ups.

(rare) A disease of wheat and cornstalks, caused by insect larvae.

(medicine) A medical condition with symptoms resembling gout but caused by precipitation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints instead of monosodium urate crystals.

(obsolete) taste; relish

(intransitive) To spurt.

A drop; a clot or coagulation.

A constitutional disease, occurring by paroxysms. It consists in an inflammation of the fibrous and ligamentous parts of the joints, and almost always attacks first the great toe, next the smaller joints, after which it may attack the greater articulations. It is attended with various sympathetic phenomena, particularly in the digestive organs. It may also attack internal organs, as the stomach, the intestines, etc. It is an inherited disease of purine metaboism, which causes an increased level of uric acid in the blood, and leads to deposition of crystals of sodium urate in cartilage within joints and in connective tissue. It can be alleviated by a diet low in purines, and is treated by drugs which block formation of uric acid.

A disease of cornstalks. See Corn fly, under Corn.

Taste; relish.

A painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints

Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.

Gout commonly affects the big toe but can impact other joints as well.

Pseudogout frequently affects the knees, wrists, and larger joints.

Yes, a diet high in purines, like red meat, can raise uric acid levels, contributing to Gout.

Pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals, while Gout is due to uric acid crystals.

No, there's no cure, but symptoms can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Gout treatment includes NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and drugs that manage uric acid levels.

Yes, untreated Gout can cause joint damage and kidney stones.

Gout flare-ups can be reduced or prevented with medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Triggers can include trauma, surgery, or underlying health conditions.

It's diagnosed through joint fluid analysis, X-rays, and other tests.

Yes, Pseudogout risk increases with age.

It's named so because it mimics Gout symptoms but has a different cause.

Both conditions can have a genetic component, increasing susceptibility.

Gout is more common in men, but the risk for women increases after menopause.