Crystal Arthritis: What Is It, How to Treat It, and How Red Light Therapy Can Help

Crystal arthritis is a term that refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation and pain in the joints due to the deposition of crystals. These crystals are usually made of calcium or uric acid, and they can form in the cartilage, the synovial fluid, or the surrounding tissues of the joints. Crystal arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is more common in the knees, wrists, ankles, and elbows.

There are different types of crystal arthritis, depending on the type and shape of the crystals involved. The most common types are:

• Acute calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal arthritis, also known as pseudogout. This type of crystal arthritis is caused by the formation of rhomboid-shaped crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) in the joints. These crystals can trigger sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joints, usually lasting for days or weeks. The knee is the most frequently affected joint, but other joints can also be involved. CPP crystal arthritis is more common in older people and in people with other health conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, or osteoarthritis1.
• Chronic CPP crystal arthritis, also known as pyrophosphate arthropathy. This type of crystal arthritis is caused by the chronic presence of CPP crystals in the joints, which can lead to progressive joint damage and degeneration. The symptoms are similar to those of osteoarthritis, such as pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and joint deformity. Chronic CPP crystal arthritis can affect multiple joints, especially the knees, wrists, shoulders, and hips1.
• Gout, also known as monosodium urate (MSU) crystal arthritis. This type of crystal arthritis is caused by the accumulation of needle-shaped crystals of uric acid in the joints. These crystals can cause recurrent and intense episodes of pain, swelling, redness, and heat in the affected joints, usually lasting for hours or days. The big toe is the most commonly affected joint, but other joints, such as the ankles, knees, elbows, and fingers, can also be involved. Gout is more common in men and in people with high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be influenced by diet, alcohol, medications, or genetics2.
• Hydroxyapatite crystal arthritis, also known as Milwaukee shoulder syndrome. This type of crystal arthritis is caused by the deposition of spherical crystals of hydroxyapatite, a mineral that is normally found in the bones and teeth, in the joints. These crystals can cause chronic inflammation and destruction of the joint tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint instability. Hydroxyapatite crystal arthritis mainly affects the shoulders, but it can also affect the knees, hips, elbows, and wrists. It is more common in elderly women and in people with kidney disease or hyperparathyroidism3.

The diagnosis of crystal arthritis is based on the clinical history, physical examination, blood tests, and joint fluid analysis. The joint fluid analysis is the most definitive test, as it can identify the type and shape of the crystals under a microscope. X-rays can also be helpful to detect the presence of crystals in the cartilage or the bones, and to assess the extent of joint damage.

The treatment of crystal arthritis depends on the type, severity, and frequency of the attacks, and the degree of joint damage. The main goals of the treatment are to relieve pain and inflammation, prevent further crystal formation and deposition, and preserve joint function and mobility. The treatment options include:

• Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, corticosteroids, or allopurinol. These drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent or reduce the frequency of attacks. However, they can also have side effects, such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, infections, or liver problems.
• Joint aspiration, also known as arthrocentesis. This is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the joint and removing some of the fluid and crystals. This can help relieve pain and pressure, and reduce inflammation. It can also be used to inject corticosteroids or local anesthetics into the joint for faster and longer relief.
• Surgery, such as joint replacement or debridement. This is a last resort option for cases of severe and chronic joint damage that do not respond to other treatments. Surgery can help restore joint function and mobility, and improve quality of life. However, it can also have risks, such as infection, bleeding, or prosthesis failure.

In addition to these conventional treatments, there is also a natural and non-invasive therapy that can help people with crystal arthritis. This therapy is called red light therapy, and it involves exposing the affected joints or body parts to a specific wavelength of red or near-infrared light. The light penetrates the skin and reaches the cells, where it stimulates the production of energy and reduces inflammation. This can result in improved blood circulation, reduced pain, faster healing, and enhanced mobility.

Red light therapy has been proven by multiple studies to be an effective pain relief treatment for various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. For example, a study published in the journal Lasers in Medical Science found that medical-grade red light therapy pad reduced pain and improved function in patients with knee osteoarthritis4. Another study published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that red light therapy reduced pain and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis5. A third study published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology found that red light therapy reduced pain and improved quality of life in patients with gout6.

Red light therapy is also safe and convenient to use at home, as it does not require any prescription, needles, drugs, or surgery. All it takes is a device that emits the appropriate wavelength and intensity of light, such as a red light therapy belt. A red light blue light therapy belt is a flexible and adjustable device that can be wrapped around the affected joint or body part, such as the knee, elbow, shoulder, back, or neck. The belt delivers the optimal dose of red light to the target area, and it can be used for 10 to 20 minutes per session, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.

Red light therapy can be a great addition to the conventional treatment of crystal arthritis, as it can provide natural and lasting pain relief, without any side effects or complications. However, before starting red light therapy, it is advisable to consult a doctor, especially if one has any medical conditions or is taking any medications that may affect the light sensitivity or the blood clotting. Also, it is important to follow the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer of the red light therapy device, and to avoid overexposure or misuse of the device.

If you are interested in learning more about red light therapy and how it can help you with your crystal arthritis, you can visit the website of scienlodic, a company that specializes in red light therapy products and services. Scienlodic offers high-quality and affordable red light therapy devices, such as the red light therapy belt, that can help you achieve pain relief and better health at home. You can also read the testimonials and reviews of other customers who have used scienlodic’s products and experienced the benefits of red light therapy.

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