What causes crystals in the shoulder joint?

Q: I have crystals in my right shoulder joint along with pain for some months now. What is the cause of these crystals and how to treat them?

A:There can be different crystals - CPPD (calcium pyrophosphate) or urate, calcium etc. that can accumulate. Depending on the type of crystals, the treatment differs; if you have arthritis, then apart from the treatment of crystals, the arthritis needs treatment in the form of medications or, if required, surgical intervention. If you have effusion (swelling in the joint) you may need to get fluid aspirated and analysed for crystals and cell counts.