What is crystalline arthropathy?

What is crystalline arthropathy?

Crystalline arthropathies are a group of joint disorders caused by deposits of crystals in joints and the soft tissues around them. The most common types are gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD). Over time, crystalline arthropathies can lead to joint damage and occasionally kidney disease.

Is Crystal arthropathy the same as gout?

Gout is an inflammatory crystal arthropathy resulting from the pathogenic effect of MSU crystals in the joints and soft tissue. Uric acid in body fluid at pH 7.4 exists in the urate form. Thus, when referring to uric acid in physiologic fluid, it is preferable to use the term urate.

Is crystal arthritis inflammatory?

Introduction. Crystal-induced arthritis (CIA) comprises two main inflammatory arthropathies, gout, and pseudogout, characterized by the formation and deposition in joints of monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals, respectively.

Is arthropathy the same as osteoarthritis?

Arthrosis is the other name for osteoarthritis. This is the most frequently diagnosed form of arthritis. Arthrosis occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage at the joints. It usually happens because of aging or intense use of the joints during sports, exercise or other activities.

Is crystal formation harmful to humans?

Throughout the human body, crystals can form, sometimes causing pain or disabilities. In the urinary system, waste is removed by the kidneys and transported to the bladder to be excreted. However, millions of people develop kidney stones, which block the removal of the waste, often painfully.

What are crystal deposits in the body?

It’s known as a calcium crystal disease because the pain is caused by crystals of the mineral calcium rubbing against soft tissue. It most commonly affects the knees, but can affect other joints too. Calcium crystals are normally in bones and teeth to help make them strong.

What causes bone crystals?

The cause of abnormal deposits of CPPD crystals in cartilage is often unknown. CPPD crystals may be seen associated with some underlying disorders such as injury to the joint, hyperparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatasia, hypothyroidism and hemochromatosis.

Why does crystallization happen?

Crystallization is based on the principles of solubility: compounds (solutes) tend to be more soluble in hot liquids (solvents) than they are in cold liquids. If a saturated hot solution is allowed to cool, the solute is no longer soluble in the solvent and forms crystals of pure compound.

What are crystal arthropathies?

Crystal arthropathies are a group of joint disorders due to the deposition of crystals in and around joints which lead to joint destruction and soft tissue masses. The most common crystal arthropathies are: Other less common crystals are 4:

What is crystalline arthropathy and how does it cause gout?

Gout, a common type of crystalline arthropathy, results from a buildup of urate crystals in a joint, causing pain and inflammation. Urate crystals can form in people who have high levels of uric acid in the blood.

How do you treat crystalline arthropathies?

Treatment for Crystalline Arthropathies Medications can treat gout attacks, prevent future attacks, and prevent complications such as kidney stones. For gout, our rheumatologists typically recommend: Pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine