Synovitis is the inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the inside of a joint. The membrane thickens and grows more blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to the area and thus more inflammation. This can result in the degeneration of the joint.
Symptoms
- Pain, especially with movement
- Swelling of the joint
- Redness of the joint
- Interior bleeding
- Nodules (hard lumps) forming
Causes
- Untreated joint bleeding
- Overuse of joint
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Risk factors
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Gout
Prevention
- Regular exercise
- Treating joint bleeds and injuries right away
Diagnosis
- A rheumatologist will determine the location of the pain and inflammation (inside or outside of the joint) with MRI imaging
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Rest
- Steroid injections
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD)
- Physical therapy
Surgical treatment
- Synovectomy
