How effective is anti-inflammatory medication for pseudogout?

Pseudogout, also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, occurs when crystals in a joint trigger inflammation. An anti-inflammatory medicine may reduce the inflammatory response, tenderness, and stiffness, especially when treatment starts after assessment. It cannot dissolve the deposits or guarantee that another flare will not occur. A clinician may consider an oral medicine, an injection into the joint, or another approach depending on the number of joints involved and your health.

A sudden hot, swollen joint can also be caused by infection or another crystal arthritis. The appearance alone cannot reliably separate these causes. Fluid testing or other examination may be needed before treatment is chosen.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a new severe flare, particularly if you have fever, feel unwell, have a wound near the joint, or recently had a procedure. Share your kidney, stomach, heart, and blood-pressure history, allergies, and current medicines. Some anti-inflammatory medicines are unsuitable with certain blood thinners or kidney conditions.

Rest the joint briefly, elevate it when practical, and use a wrapped cold pack for short periods if that is comfortable. Resume gentle movement as pain settles. Do not combine products or use leftover prescriptions without advice. Read about [Pseudogout](/conditions/pseudogout/) and [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/).

Seek urgent care for a hot swollen joint with fever, confusion, severe illness, or rapidly spreading redness. Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, chest pain, vomiting blood, or black stools after taking a medicine. If the flare is not improving, keeps returning, or prevents you from bearing weight, arrange a review rather than increasing the dose yourself.

Ask whether the joint needs fluid testing, which medicine is safest with your other conditions, how soon improvement should be judged, and whether prevention or follow-up is needed after the flare.