Summary about Disease
Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is the tissue lining the joints. This membrane produces synovial fluid, a lubricant that helps joints move smoothly. When the synovium becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the affected joint. Synovitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, infection, and underlying conditions like arthritis. It can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Symptoms
Joint pain (may worsen with movement)
Swelling
Stiffness
Tenderness to the touch
Warmth around the joint
Decreased range of motion
Possible redness of the skin over the joint
Causes
Injury: Sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures.
Overuse: Repetitive motions or activities that put stress on the joint.
Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause synovitis (septic arthritis).
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory joint conditions are common causes.
Autoimmune diseases: Lupus and other autoimmune disorders.
Crystal deposition diseases: Gout (uric acid crystals) and pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate crystals).
Tumors: Rarely, tumors within or around the joint can cause synovitis.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can help manage pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: Oral or injected corticosteroids can reduce inflammation quickly but are typically used for short-term relief due to potential side effects.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): For synovitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Examples include methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine.
Biologic agents: For more severe cases of autoimmune-related synovitis, biologic agents like TNF inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab) or interleukin inhibitors (tocilizumab) may be used.
Antibiotics: If the synovitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Is Communicable
Synovitis itself is generally not communicable. However, if the synovitis is caused by an infection (septic arthritis), the underlying infection can be communicable, depending on the specific infectious agent. For example, bacterial infections like gonorrhea can be transmitted through sexual contact and lead to septic arthritis.
Precautions
Protect your joints: Avoid activities that put excessive stress on the affected joint.
Use proper body mechanics: When lifting or performing other activities, use proper form to reduce strain on your joints.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put added stress on weight-bearing joints.
Strengthen muscles around the joint: Stronger muscles can help support and stabilize the joint.
Rest the affected joint: Give the joint time to heal, especially after an injury.
Ice the joint: Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.
Elevate the joint: Elevating the joint can help reduce swelling.
Follow your doctor's instructions: Take medications as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments.
Avoid infection: If the skin around a joint is broken, clean the area well and use an antibiotic ointment to avoid infection.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of synovitis varies depending on the underlying cause:
Acute synovitis (due to injury or overuse): Can resolve within a few days to a few weeks with rest, ice, and pain management.
Synovitis due to infection: Requires prompt antibiotic treatment and can take several weeks to clear.
Chronic synovitis (due to arthritis or autoimmune disease): Can persist for months or years, with periods of flares and remission. Management focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing joint damage.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: The doctor will examine the affected joint for swelling, tenderness, warmth, and range of motion limitations.
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, past injuries, and medical conditions.
Imaging tests:
X-rays: Can help rule out fractures and assess for joint damage.
MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the synovium, and can detect inflammation and other abnormalities.
Ultrasound: Can visualize the synovium and detect fluid accumulation in the joint.
Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis): A needle is used to draw fluid from the joint, which is then analyzed for signs of infection, inflammation, or crystals.
Blood tests: Can help identify signs of infection, inflammation, or autoimmune diseases.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline varies depending on the cause:
Acute synovitis (injury): Symptoms may develop rapidly within hours or days of the injury.
Infectious synovitis: Symptoms can develop rapidly over a few days, often with fever and severe pain.
Chronic synovitis (arthritis): Symptoms may develop gradually over weeks or months, with periods of flare-ups and remissions. Stiffness is often worse in the morning.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial: Prompt treatment can help prevent long-term joint damage and disability.
Synovitis can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition: It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause.
Lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms: Rest, ice, elevation, and weight management can reduce stress on the affected joint.
Physical therapy can help improve joint function: Exercises can help strengthen muscles around the joint and improve range of motion.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases: Synovectomy (removal of the inflamed synovium) may be considered for chronic, severe synovitis that does not respond to other treatments.