Aches and pains can take some of the fun out of everyday parenting. Joint pain can be especially nasty when it comes to tasks and games that require repetitive movements. One type of joint pain, pseudogout, results when calcium deposits form in the joints. Pseudogout, a form of arthritis and a type of gout, can result from a variety of other health conditions or injuries. Treating the underlying cause of this condition, as well as taking preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of future attacks, may help relieve your pain and swelling.
Step 1
Ask your medical doctor to test you for any underlying causes, such as hypercalcemia, a condition involving elevated levels of calcium in your blood. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), an underactive thyroid gland or a previous injury may cause the development of calcium deposits in your joints. Find out if you have an underlying condition that may also require treatment, when your doctor diagnoses you with pseudogout.
Step 2
Avoid alcoholic beverages to reduce your chances of developing new calcium deposits on your joints. If you look forward to kicking back with a beer or margarita at the end of a long day spent chasing after the kids, you may need to substitute a non-alcoholic drink for your regular cocktail. The Merck Manual of Medical Information website suggests eliminating alcohol in your diet to minimize your risk of new deposits.
Step 3
Reduce or eliminate diuretics in your diet. Avoid taking over-the-counter (OTC) diuretics for water-retention or puffiness. Pennsylvania State University warns that diuretics can cause dehydration and increase your risk of developing calcium deposits. Increase your intake of water and other fluids to avoid dehydration. If you are taking prescription diuretics for high blood pressure, ask your doctor about different types of treatments for your blood pressure that don’t involve the use of diuretics.
Step 4
Take a daily low dose of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help prevent further attacks and control the pain and swelling in current flare-ups. The AARP suggests using this type of medication to combat joint pain and swelling. Follow the instructions on the label and do not take these for longer periods, or at higher doses, than recommended. If OTC medications do not prevent new attacks, talk to your doctor about prescription medications that may help.
Warnings
- Consult your doctor before taking non-prescription medications, if you are currently taking any prescription medications or have ongoing medical issues.
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