Hypothyroidism and pseudogout: what to know

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that can slow body processes and cause fatigue, constipation, feeling unusually cold or a hoarse voice. Pseudogout is a joint inflammation caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals. It often causes sudden pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness, commonly in a knee or another large joint. Having hypothyroidism does not prove that joint pain is pseudogout, and pseudogout does not explain every symptom of an underactive thyroid.

Arrange a clinical assessment if a joint becomes acutely swollen or painful. A clinician may examine the joint, review your thyroid history and medicines, and decide whether blood tests or fluid testing from the joint would help distinguish pseudogout from gout, infection or injury. Continue prescribed thyroid treatment unless told otherwise, and note when the pain began, which joint is affected, and whether fever or an injury was present.

Seek urgent medical help for a hot, swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling very unwell, or rapidly worsening pain, because joint infection needs prompt treatment. Seek prompt advice for new weakness, marked drowsiness or worsening cold intolerance alongside other thyroid symptoms. Do not rely on the joint symptom alone to identify the cause.

Ask whether your symptoms fit pseudogout, whether the thyroid needs testing, which pain-relief options suit your other conditions, and how to manage future attacks. Take a list of medicines and describe any previous episodes of joint swelling.