Pictures of Pseudogout: What They Can Show

Pseudogout, also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, often causes visible swelling around a joint during an attack. The skin may look flushed, and the joint can appear enlarged compared with the other side. Commonly affected areas include the knee, wrist, elbow or ankle. A photograph cannot show the calcium pyrophosphate crystals inside the joint and cannot reliably distinguish pseudogout from gout, injury or infection. Clinicians may use the pattern of symptoms, an examination and sometimes fluid removed from the joint to clarify the cause.

Use pictures as a general comparison, not as a diagnosis. Note when swelling began, whether the joint feels hot, and whether movement is limited. Rest the affected joint, avoid activities that increase pain, and arrange medical advice for new or unexplained swelling. A clinician may discuss anti-inflammatory medication, a cortisone injection or joint aspiration depending on your health and the findings. More information about [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/) and [Pseudogout](/conditions/pseudogout/) can help you prepare.

Seek urgent medical assessment if a joint becomes rapidly swollen and hot, especially with fever, chills, feeling faint or severe pain. Infection can resemble a crystal-related attack and needs prompt evaluation. Get help promptly after an injury if the joint looks deformed, you cannot use the limb, or the swelling is quickly worsening. Do not rely on a picture to decide that a hot swollen joint is harmless.

Could the appearance fit pseudogout, gout, an injury or infection? Would joint fluid testing help? Which pain or anti-inflammatory options are suitable with my medical history? What changes should make me seek urgent care?