Pseudogout

Pseudogout is similar to gout but it is caused by crystals called calcium pyrophosphate. These crystals cause inflammation in the joints. Gout is caused by monosodium urate. In pseudogout the knees and sometimes the wrists and other joints are involved. Normally it occurs in older persons and is not as easy as gout to treat, as there are no good preventive agents. Normally acute attacks in the knees are treated with steroid injections.