Knee synovitis is inflammation of the knee joint lining, causing pain and stiffness. It is caused by trauma or arthritis and can be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation, steroid injections, or knee replacement surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent damage.
Knee synovitis is 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 usually the cause, and treatments are available. The best treatment depends on the specifics of the case and is usually easier to treat when diagnosed early.
In synovitis of the knee, the patient’s knee joint begins to swell due to the pressure created by excessive synovial fluid. The lining of the joint develops an inflammatory response and the patient will notice pain, stiffness and popping noises when he tries to move the joint. Sometimes the joint becomes so painful that it is virtually impossible to bend. This condition is more common in athletes, as they put a lot of stress on the knees, but it can also happen to arthritis patients and patients recovering from knee surgeries.
The knee may be tender to touch and usually feels warm. A doctor who suspects knee synovitis may take a sample of fluid to look for signs of inflammation such as lots of white blood cells. Medical imaging studies of the joint may also be helpful. Immediate treatment is rest, ice, compression, and elevation to see if the inflammation can be suppressed and normal joint function restored. If this seems to be working, 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 swelling associated with knee synovitis. These will reduce pain and increase comfort, allowing the patient to begin pursuing physical therapy to re-strengthen the joint. In severe cases, the recommended treatment may be knee replacement surgery, which may be total or partial. This surgery requires an experienced surgeon and a long recovery to allow the patient’s knee to fully heal before returning to normal activity levels.
A patient with chronic knee synovitis or repeated exacerbations is at increased risk of permanent damage and the need for a knee replacement. If a patient keeps returning to the doctor for treatment, this could be a sign that the patient needs physical therapy, a longer rest period, or radical lifestyle changes, including a change in career or hob to reduce stress on the joint.
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