Why does pseudogout cause joint swelling?

Crystals can form in cartilage and enter the space around a joint. The immune system reacts to them, causing the lining to become inflamed. Small blood vessels become more leaky, and fluid collects within the joint. The surrounding tissues may also swell, making the joint look enlarged and feel tight or tender. Joint Swelling is a common presentation of Pseudogout. The swelling may appear quickly, with pain and stiffness limiting normal use. It can involve a knee, wrist, ankle, elbow or another joint. Swelling has many possible causes, so it is not enough by itself to identify pseudogout.

Reduce activities that load or twist the joint while it is acutely painful. Support the limb in a comfortable position and use a cloth-wrapped cold pack briefly if it helps. A healthcare professional may assess your movement, review medicines and take joint fluid for crystal and infection testing. The safest treatment depends on conditions such as kidney disease, ulcers, blood-thinner use and heart problems; get personalised advice before taking anti-inflammatory medicine.

Seek prompt medical care for sudden swelling with intense pain, marked warmth, fever, chills or feeling unwell. Infection inside a joint can damage the joint and may look like pseudogout. Get urgent help if swelling follows a major injury, the limb becomes cold or pale, or you cannot move or bear weight safely.

Ask whether fluid testing can confirm crystals, what other causes should be considered, which pain-relief options fit your medical history, and how to reduce the chance of another attack.