Patient education: Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (The Basics)

What is calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease? — 

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, or "CPPD disease," is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden attacks of joint pain and swelling. It can also cause long-term joint problems. It is caused by a buildup of a type of calcium crystal (called "calcium pyrophosphate") in the joints. Sudden attacks of CPPD disease used to be called "pseudogout."

The symptoms of CPPD disease are similar to the those of another type of arthritis called gout. But CPPD disease and gout have different causes.

What are the symptoms of CPPD disease? — 

People with a flare-up of CPPD disease can get sudden attacks of joint pain, swelling, and warmth, often in the knee. The symptoms can also happen in the ankles, feet, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands. Attacks can last for days or weeks.

In some people, CPPD disease leads to long-term "osteoarthritis." This is the most common type of arthritis. It causes pain and stiffness in different joints in the body. Sometimes, it also causes joint swelling. Less often, CPPD disease can lead to other joint problems, which can look like other types of arthritis.

Some patients with CPPD disease have very mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all.

Is there a test for CPPD disease? — 

Yes. To check if your symptoms are caused by CPPD disease, your doctor will do an exam and tests.

Tests can include:

●Removing fluid from the painful joint – The doctor will use a needle to remove a small sample of fluid from the joint. Then, they will look at the sample under a microscope to see if it has calcium crystals.

●X-rays of the painful joints

●Blood tests – Your doctor will do blood tests to see if you have a condition that could be causing the calcium crystals to build up.

How is CPPD disease treated? — 

Treatment often depends on how many joints are involved.

Doctors usually treat people who have 1 or 2 painful joints by:

●Removing some fluid from the painful joint

●Giving a shot of a medicine into the painful joint

Doctors usually treat people who have more than 2 painful joints with medicines such as:

●NSAIDs – This is a large group of pain medicines. Examples include ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (sample brand names: Indocin, Indocid), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Colchicine (sample brand name: Colcrys)

●Steroids

These treatments help shorten an attack and ease joint pain and swelling.

What can I do on my own? — 

When an attack happens, doctors usually recommend:

●Resting the painful joints as much as possible – Try not to move your painful joint or put weight on it.

●Using ice – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the painful joints every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time, as needed. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin.

Can CPPD disease attacks be prevented? — 

Sometimes. If you get a lot of attacks, your doctor might prescribe colchicine for you to take every day to help prevent future attacks.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse if you have:

●Signs of infection, including a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher or chills

●Pain that is getting worse, or is not helped with pain medicines

More on this topic

Patient education: Gout (The Basics)
Patient education: Osteoarthritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (The Basics)

Patient education: Calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gout (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Osteoarthritis treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Beyond the Basics)