Does cortisone injection treat pseudogout?

Pseudogout, also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, happens when crystals collect in and around a joint and trigger inflammation. Injected cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medicine placed into the affected joint. It can be considered when one joint is severely inflamed or when tablets are unsuitable. The clinician first needs to assess the joint and may test fluid to distinguish pseudogout from infection or another type of arthritis.

Arrange an assessment during a new or unusually intense flare, especially if the joint is hot, red, or difficult to move. Rest the joint and use a wrapped cold pack for short periods while awaiting advice. Do not inject a joint yourself. Tell the clinician about diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, allergies, and any recent infection, because these details can affect the choice and timing of treatment. Learn more about [Pseudogout](/conditions/pseudogout/) and [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/).

Seek urgent medical care for a hot, swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling faint, or rapidly worsening pain. Infection inside a joint can resemble a crystal flare and needs prompt treatment. Urgent assessment is also sensible after an injection if redness spreads, drainage appears, or pain escalates rather than settling.

Could this be pseudogout, infection, or another joint problem? Would testing joint fluid help? Is an injection suitable for this joint and my medical history? What should I do if the flare returns?