Why does pseudogout cause a hot, red, swollen joint?

Calcium pyrophosphate crystals can collect in joint cartilage and move into the joint space. The immune system responds to them as irritants. Blood flow increases around the joint, while inflammatory fluid and immune cells gather inside it. That combination can produce warmth, redness, swelling, tenderness and reduced movement. Hot, Red, Swollen Joint is a common presentation of Pseudogout. Attacks often begin suddenly and may affect a knee, wrist, shoulder, ankle or another joint. Similar symptoms can also occur with infection, gout or an injury, so the appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Rest the affected joint from strenuous activity and keep it comfortably supported. A wrapped cold pack may ease pain and swelling for short periods; protect the skin and stop if it feels numb or increasingly painful. A clinician can examine the joint and may test joint fluid to look for crystals and infection. Treatment choices depend on your health, other medicines and the joint involved, so do not start or combine anti-inflammatory medicines without checking that they are suitable for you.

Arrange urgent medical assessment for a new hot, red, swollen joint, especially if pain is severe, movement is very limited, or you feel feverish or unwell. Joint infection needs prompt treatment and can resemble a crystal attack. Seek emergency help if you become confused, faint, severely weak or develop rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask whether joint-fluid testing is needed, which medicines are safe with your kidney, stomach or heart history, how to protect the joint during an attack, and whether another condition could be causing the redness.