Gout

Whether you’re experiencing gout or pseudogout, UMass Memorial Health rheumatologists offer relief. They’re experts at differentiating between these related conditions, diagnosing them and providing effective treatment. You also receive education and guidance to prevent a recurrence.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a painful condition that occurs when uric acid builds up and causes inflammatory arthritis. Uric acid is a chemical in your blood and body tissues.

Sometimes, your body produces too much uric acid or doesn’t filter enough of it out. When that happens, the acid can accumulate. This buildup may lead to attacks of severe acute or chronic arthritis. If left untreated, these gout symptoms can intensify. The uric acid can cause joint destruction or tophi, which are lumps of acid deposits.

What Is Pseudogout?

Pseudogout is a form of sudden arthritis caused by a different chemical in the body known as calcium pyrophosphate. It triggers acute flares of inflammatory arthritis with similar symptoms to gout, but it is a different condition.