Synovitis of the knee is an inflammation of the lining of the knee joint, causing pain and stiffness. It is the result of a buildup of synovial fluid, which normally lubricates the joint and keeps it moving smoothly. Trauma or arthritis is often the cause, and treatments are available. The best treatment depends on the details of the case, and it is usually easier to treat when caught early.
In synovitis of the knee, the patient's knee joint begins to swell as a result of the pressure created by excess synovial fluid. The lining of the joint develops an inflammatory response, and the patient will experience pain, stiffness, and popping noises when attempting to move the joint. Sometimes the joint becomes so painful that it is practically impossible to bend. This condition is most common in athletes, as they put a lot of stress on their knees, but it can also occur in arthritis patients, as well as patients recovering from knee surgeries.
The knee may be tender and usually feels warm. A doctor who suspects synovitis of the knee may draw a fluid sample to look for signs of inflammation, such as many white blood cells. Medical imaging studies of the joint may also be helpful. Immediate treatment is rest, ice, compression, and elevation to see if swelling can be suppressed and normal joint function restored. If this seems to work, the patient can gradually resume normal activities to build strength in the knee.
Patients who do not respond to conservative treatment may need steroid injections into the knee to reduce the inflammation associated with synovitis of the knee. This will reduce pain and increase comfort, allowing the patient to begin seeking physical therapy to strengthen the joint again. In severe cases, the recommended treatment may be knee replacement surgery, which may be total or partial. This surgery requires a skilled surgeon and a lengthy recovery to allow the patient's knee to fully heal before returning to regular activity levels.
A patient with chronic synovitis of the knee or recurrent flare-ups is at increased risk of permanent damage and the need for a knee replacement. If a patient keeps coming back to the doctor for treatment, this may be a sign that they need physical therapy, a longer rest period, or radical lifestyle changes, including a career or hobby change to reduce stress in life. joint.