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General Concepts > Crystalline Deposition Diseases Other Names: Gout, Podagra, Calcific periarthritis, Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), Pseudogout What Are Crystalline Deposition Diseases? Crystalline deposition diseases happen within synovial joints, the joints that move freely such as your wrist, fingers, knees, hips and shoulders. Inside these joints are little fluid-filled sacs that release fluid to lubricate the joints, allowing them to move smoothly over bones, muscles and tendons. In crystalline deposition diseases, small crystals get deposited in the sac. The membrane around the sac then gets inflamed and the sac itself can swell. Gout is the most common form of crystalline deposit disease. Crystals of uric acid get deposited and that leads to arthritis that causes joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. Another form of the disease is osteoarthritis with joint lysis. Most crystalline deposition diseases start quickly. And most often, they last for only a while. Causes of Crystalline Deposition Diseases? Sometimes an accident or surgery can cause a crystalline deposit disease. Other factors may include the creation of too much uric acid. Diseases that occur because of calcium deposits, such as osteoarthritis, may be caused by heredity, diabetes, or kidney disease. Most of them though have no clear cause. Symptoms of Crystalline Deposition Diseases?
For gout, the most common of the crystalline diseases, drugs are needed. Most often, a drug called indomethacin is given orally. Sometimes, corticosteroids are needed. If acute gout attacks happens often, behavior modification may be helpful to lessen the occurrences of the disease. Some people benefit from joint aspiration (a doctor drains the fluid in the joint). In people whose uric acid level is always high, allopurinol may be given. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a licensed physician. © 2000 DynoMed.com, LLC, Indianapolis, IN |