Does pseudogout cause a hot, red, swollen joint?

Pseudogout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals inside a joint. An attack can bring sudden pain, swelling, warmth and redness, often in a knee or another large joint. Movement may become difficult because the joint lining reacts to the crystals.

The appearance alone cannot confirm pseudogout. A clinician may consider the timing, affected joint, medical history and examination, and may test joint fluid to distinguish crystal inflammation from infection or another form of arthritis.

Rest the affected joint from strenuous activity, keep it comfortably supported and arrange medical assessment, especially when the episode is new. Do not start leftover medicines without advice; treatment needs to account for kidney, stomach, heart and other health concerns. Note when symptoms began and whether fever, injury or medication changes occurred.

Seek urgent medical care for a newly hot, red, swollen joint, particularly with fever, chills, feeling unwell, a wound, or inability to bear weight. Prompt evaluation matters because a joint infection can damage the joint and requires different treatment.

Ask how pseudogout will be confirmed, whether joint-fluid testing is needed, which medicines are safe for you, and how to respond if attacks recur.