A condition that causes swelling in the synovial membrane that lines some joints is called synovitis. This condition occurs commonly in people with arthritis. Commonly, doctors treat this condition with treatments based on which joint is affected and the severity of the symptoms.
Generally, any joint in the body has a synovial membrane that can develop synovitis. The most commonly affected joints are listed below. For example:
- Knees
- Hips
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Ankles
In other words, this condition occurs when a synovial membrane or fluid inside it is damaged or irritated. Therefore, the synovial membrane becomes swollen and thickened, causing pain and other symptoms inside the affected joint. It is very important to see a doctor if you experience new joint pain or other symptoms such as stiffness or difficulty moving a joint.
While synovitis is very common in people with arthritis, it occurs less commonly in younger adults and children. According to some data, synovitis affects two-thirds of people with any type of arthritis.
Symptoms
Commonly, people who develop synovitis experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Stiffness
- Difficult moving a joint
- Joint pain
- Swelling (inflammation)
- Warmth or a hot feeling around the affected joint
Contact your healthcare professional if any of the symptoms listed above occur.
Causes
While arthritis is the most common cause of this disorder, it may also occur due to other health conditions. These include:
- Gout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder)
Furthermore, any disease or activity that puts a lot of stress on the joints may also cause synovitis. For example:
- Overuse syndrome
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Infections
- Sports injuries
- Autoimmune disorders that affect your joints (such as lupus)
- Allergic reactions
- Traumas (including falls and motor vehicle accidents)
Risk Factors
While this disorder can affect anyone, some people are more likely to develop it. These include:
- Those who suffer from arthritis and autoimmune disorders
- Athletes
- People who do manual labor
- People with osteoarthritis, certain infections, and others
What Are The Possible Complications of Synovitis?
Those who develop synovitis may also experience some complications, especially if they ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment. Check below some examples:
- Permanent damage to the affected joints
- An increased risk of developing the chronic (long-lasting) form of synovitis
- Loss of range of motion
- Permanent disability
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) in children (rarely)
- Septic arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Scarring or even necrosis (tissue death)
- Tendon rupture
This article does not contain all possible complications of synovitis. However, you can talk with your physician about ways to reduce the risk or even prevent complications listed above.
How to Prevent Synovitis?
Usually, it is quite difficult to prevent synovitis. However, doctors may recommend dietary changes, an exercise plan, and regular checkups to maintain your overall health, including joints and synovial membranes. Check below some general tips that may help reduce the risk of an injury to joints:
- It is advised to wear proper protective equipment for work, activities, and sports.
- Make sure the home and workspace are free of clutter.
- Use the right tools or equipment at home to reach things, and you should not use chairs, tables, or countertops.
- If you have walking problems, doctors may also recommend using a cane, walker, or other assistive devices. They help reduce the risk of falls.
Diagnosis
In most cases, doctors diagnose synovitis during a physical examination. They may also ask some questions about your medical history and symptoms. However, physicians may perform some tests when they think symptoms occur due to an infection or other causes. Check below some of them:
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Usually, treatments for people with synovitis are different because they depend on some factors. These include the exact cause and severity of the condition, existing health problems, age, and preferences. In general, the treatments focus on relieving the symptoms and reducing their impact during daily activities. Check below some common treatments for people who develop synovitis:
- Rest
- Avoiding activities that cause symptoms or worsen them
- Wearing a brace or splint to reduce stress on the affected joint
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint
Sometimes, people need some medicines to ease the symptoms and prevent complications. For example:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – This group of medications is used to relieve pain and inflammation (swelling).
- Corticosteroids – In some cases, doctors may give you an injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after treatment will I feel better?
Usually, this condition improves gradually as you rest the affected joint and treat the symptoms. It may take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the exact cause. For instance, if you experience synovitis due to a trauma or sports injury, it may take a longer time to recover completely.
When should I go to the ER?
You should immediately go to the emergency room (ER) or call 911 if any of the following symptoms occur. These include:
- Severe pain
- Fracture (a broken bone)
- Inability to move the affected parts of the body
What is the difference between synovitis and joint effusion?
While joint effusion causes fluid buildup in the affected joint, the fluid from the synovial membranes is always there, and it is an important part of the joints’ ability to function properly. Moreover, effusion stands for swelling caused by fluid buildup around or inside a joint. It usually makes your joint look different compared to other joints that are not affected. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
