A landscaped brick office or community building sits beside a parking lot near the water, framed by trees and flower beds under a clear sky.
Gout & Pseudogout

New Jersey Gout & Pseudogout Treatments

Fellowship-Trained Care in South & Central Jersey & Philadelphia

Gout and pseudogout are forms of crystal-induced arthritis that require accurate diagnosis before treatment can work. Every physician at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates has completed fellowship training in rheumatology, is equipped to treat multiple rheumatic conditions, and is board-certified or board-eligible, which allows us to provide subspecialty-level care to gout patients throughout New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area. Whether you’re experiencing your first flare, managing a chronic condition, or seeking a second opinion, we're always ready to welcome new patients.

Ready to get answers? Call (856) 424-5005 to schedule an evaluation with one of our rheumatologists.

Why a Rheumatologist Should Manage Your Gout

A primary care physician can treat an acute flare, but recurring or difficult-to-manage gout calls for rheumatology involvement. ACR guidelines advise rheumatologist care for gout that doesn’t respond to first-line medications, refractory hyperuricemia, and cases complicated by comorbidities. 

At Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates, our diagnostic ultrasounds provide real-time imaging of joints and soft tissues, detecting monosodium urate crystal deposits that are not visible on physical exam or standard X-ray. Every scan is interpreted by a physician trained specifically in rheumatology, not a general radiologist. We also account for coexisting conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and cardiovascular risk, so that your treatment plan reflects the full picture, not just the joint that hurts.

Diagnosing and Treating Pseudogout

Pseudogout, formally known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), involves calcium pyrophosphate crystals rather than uric acid crystals. Additionally, while gout most commonly targets the big toe, pseudogout more often affects the knee. Pseudogout primarily affects older adults, and predisposing factors include family history, excess iron, low magnesium levels, an overactive parathyroid, and an underactive thyroid.

The definitive way to diagnose pseudogout is joint aspiration: removing fluid from the joint space and examining it under a microscope for calcium pyrophosphate crystals. This procedure, called arthrocentesis and synovial fluid analysis, can be performed in-office under local anesthesia. X-rays can also reveal calcium-containing deposits in cartilage, a finding called chondrocalcinosis, which supports the diagnosis. 

Both gout and pseudogout share similar acute treatment approaches using NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids. Long-term urate-lowering therapy applies to gout but not to pseudogout, and unlike gout, there’s currently no approved treatment to dissolve calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposits. Correct diagnosis helps determine which path you follow.

Gout and Pseudogout Treatments Available at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates

We treat gout across the full spectrum of severity. For acute flares, we use NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids to control inflammation. For long-term management, xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol and febuxostat can reduce uric acid production and lower the risk of recurrent flares. When starting urate-lowering therapy, acute flare risk temporarily increases, so anti-inflammatory prophylaxis is typically prescribed alongside it during the adjustment period.

For patients with chronic gout whose symptoms aren’t adequately controlled with xanthine oxidase inhibitors at the maximum appropriate dose, or for whom those medications are contraindicated, KRYSTEXXA (pegloticase) may be an option. KRYSTEXXA works by converting uric acid into allantoin, a more soluble compound the body can excrete, and can help dissolve existing uric acid crystal deposits, including tophi. It’s administered by IV infusion every two weeks in a healthcare setting equipped to manage potential infusion reactions, with serum uric acid monitoring before each dose.

Pseudogout is managed with anti-inflammatory medications during acute episodes. Because no approved therapy can dissolve calcium pyrophosphate crystals, long-term care focuses on controlling inflammation and monitoring for recurrence. Every treatment plan includes dietary and hydration guidance alongside medications, tailored to your diagnosis, lifestyle, and medical requirements.

Call (856) 424-5005 to learn more about how we can diagnose gout or pseudogout and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs!

OUR PRACTICE by the Numbers

Over fifty years of independent rheumatology care, measured in facts.
  • 50 +
    Years in Practice

    Founded in 1974. Still independent. Still focused exclusively on rheumatology.

  • 29,000 +
    INFUSIONS IN A SINGLE YEAR

    Completed across seven IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Centers, all inside our offices.

  • 18
    Providers

    Every one fellowship-trained in rheumatology and board-certified or board-eligible.

  • 7
    New Jersey Offices

    Serving South and Central Jersey and the Philadelphia region from Voorhees to Brick.

A spa-like bathroom or vanity scene with folded towels, a tray, small bowls, a vase with greenery, and a sink with faucet in the background.
Patient Portal Call (856) 424-5005

Questions About Your Rheumatology Care

What is rheumatology?
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, bones, muscles, and immune system. Rheumatologists manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, gout, and more than 100 other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
How is a rheumatologist different from a general practitioner?
After internal medicine residency, rheumatologists complete two to three additional years of fellowship training in diseases of the joints and immune system. Every physician at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates completed this training. A general practitioner does not have this specialized background.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any prior lab results, imaging studies, or records from your primary care physician or previous specialists. A list of current medications is also helpful. Your physician will review everything before the examination and use it to inform your diagnostic workup.
How does in-office infusion therapy work?
Biologic medications for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes administered intravenously rather than by pill or injection. Our IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Centers provide this treatment inside our offices with a medical professional supervising every session, at substantially lower cost than hospital-based infusion.
Is in-office ultrasound the same as radiology imaging?
Diagnostic ultrasound in our offices provides real-time images of joints, tendons, and soft tissue without radiation. Unlike a radiology referral, every scan at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates is interpreted by a physician with specific rheumatology training, so findings are evaluated in the context of your condition, not in isolation.
Do you coordinate with my primary care physician?
Yes. We collaborate closely with referring and primary care physicians, sharing records and findings so your care stays consistent across providers. You won't need to repeat your history or serve as the messenger between offices.