What should you know about crystals in pseudogout?

The crystals can irritate the joint lining and cause a sudden flare. The knee and wrist are common locations, although other joints can be involved. A flare may resemble gout or an infection, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. Fluid taken from the joint can be examined for crystals and checked for infection. Joint swelling is a symptom worth assessing, especially when it starts suddenly.

The presence of crystals does not mean that every episode of joint pain has the same cause. A clinician considers the examination, medical history, imaging, and joint-fluid findings together.

Rest the painful joint, keep it supported, and use a wrapped cold pack for short periods if this feels helpful. Do not take anti-inflammatory medication unless a clinician confirms it is safe with your kidney function, stomach history, blood pressure, and other medicines. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, a cortisone injection, or joint aspiration, depending on the joint and the diagnosis.

Seek urgent medical assessment for a hot, very swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling faint, rapidly worsening pain, or inability to use the limb. Infection can damage a joint and needs different treatment, even when crystals are present. Do not squeeze, massage, or puncture a swollen joint yourself.

Ask whether joint-fluid testing is needed, which medicines fit your health history, how to reduce future flares, and which symptoms should prompt same-day care.