How is pseudogout treated?

Pseudogout, also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, occurs when crystals irritate a joint. A flare can cause sudden pain, swelling, warmth and difficulty moving the joint. Because a hot, swollen joint can also have an infection or another cause, a clinician may examine you and test fluid from the joint before choosing treatment.

Anti-inflammatory medication may reduce pain and swelling. The choice depends on your health, other medicines and the affected joint. Joint aspiration removes some fluid with a needle; it can help ease pressure and allows the fluid to be assessed. A cortisone injection may be considered after infection has been excluded.

Rest the painful joint from demanding activity, keep it comfortably supported and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for short periods if that feels helpful. Take only the medicine recommended for you, especially if you have kidney, stomach, heart or blood-pressure problems. Arrange follow-up when flares recur, last longer than expected or affect daily tasks; the plan may need review rather than repeated self-treatment.

Seek urgent medical assessment for a new hot, red, swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling faint or rapidly worsening pain. Prompt care is also sensible when you cannot bear weight or move the joint, or when swelling follows an injury. These features need assessment because infection and injury can require different treatment.

Ask which medicine fits your medical history, whether joint fluid should be tested, what to do if symptoms return, and which warning signs mean you should seek urgent care.