How long does a cortisone injection take to work for pseudogout?

Pseudogout is an inflammatory reaction in a joint, often causing sudden pain, swelling, warmth, and limited movement. An injection places anti-inflammatory medicine near or in the affected joint, so relief depends on the severity of the flare and whether the correct joint has been treated. Local anaesthetic can give short-term numbness before the anti-inflammatory effect appears.

A joint can remain tender while inflammation is declining. An injection treats the current flare; it does not remove every crystal deposit or guarantee that future flares will not occur.

Rest the inflamed joint from strenuous use, elevate it when practical, and use a wrapped cold pack for brief periods if your clinician agrees. Take only medicines recommended for you, especially if kidney, stomach, heart, or blood-thinning issues affect medication choices. Once movement becomes easier, return to activity gradually rather than forcing a stiff joint.

If pain and swelling are not clearly easing after the review period, contact the treating clinician. They may need to reconsider infection, another crystal arthritis, or a different cause of the joint symptoms.

A hot, swollen joint with fever or feeling very unwell needs urgent medical assessment, particularly before assuming it is a pseudogout flare. Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, faintness, or inability to move or bear weight. Infection can resemble crystal arthritis and needs different treatment.

Ask which joint was injected, how soon you should expect a change, and when to call if the flare continues. Ask whether a sample of joint fluid is needed, which medicines are suitable for you, and how future flare planning should be handled.