these severely painful forms of arthritis are caused by sharp crystals that form in the knee and other joints. these crystals can form as a result of defects in the absorption or metabolism of various natural substances such as uric acid (which produces gout) and calcium pyrophosphate (pseudogout). treatment is aimed at controlling inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications and at aiding the metabolism of the various chemicals that may lead to crystal formation.
what is crystalline arthritis (gout and pseudogout) of the knee and how is it treated?