The knee is part of one of the large joints of the human body; it is located at the level of the lower limbs and is a significant type of joint. A fibrous joint capsule surrounds it. It has a synovial membrane in its internal portion, which produces synovial fluid and several ligaments to confer stability.
Our knee often presents alterations that indicate something is happening in it since it does not act or function normally, and one of these alterations may be knee synovitis. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain what knee synovitis is, what its symptoms are to differentiate them from other problems and what may be the best treatment in this regard.
Table of Contents
What is knee synovitis?
Knee synovitis is defined as inflammation of the synovial membrane. This membrane covers the inner part of the joint capsule, responsible for producing synovial fluid, a liquid with a dense texture and white color. Its primary function is to lubricate the joints to reduce friction during movement and thus prevent pain.
Synovitis can be of two types, and they differ from one to the other depending on factors such as whether its origin is due to trauma or infection or how long it lasts:
- Acute: it is considered acute synovitis that occurs for days or months but never goes beyond six months.
- Chronic: after six months, it is already regarded as chronic synovitis; in fact, there are patients in whom this lesion can remain for life.
Causes of knee synovitis
Knee synovitis can occur from multiple causes, among the most frequent, which can start from a trauma in the area, it can be from a direct blow, a twist, because of a wrong position, or even becoming a consequence of infections or pathologies (such as rheumatic disease or gout ).
Symptoms of knee synovitis
To identify when you have knee synovitis, it is necessary to observe the symptoms it shows; among them, we can mention:
- First, the swelling of the area, that is, you will keep an increase in the volume of the knee area. This swelling can also include the existence of pain, which can become very annoying.
- Among other symptoms is the change in temperature of the site, in which there is an increase in the sensation of heat; it is a characteristic symptom of this condition.
- Knee synovitis also causes a feeling of hypersensitivity in the area when touched or touched; this is due to the same inflammation produced by an increase in the amount of synovial fluid present in the knee.
Knee synovitis: diagnosis
To make an adequate diagnosis of synovitis, it is necessary to take into account the following parameters:
First, a physical examination of the person should be done, evaluating the presence of stiffness, pain, or crepitation (noise), in addition to observing the usual movements if they are affected, with the company of limitations, or if the knee is hot to the touch and red.
Complementary examinations such as laboratory and radiographic studies (to evaluate whether or not there is a presence or not of wear of the articular surface) are included in the diagnosis.
Knee synovitis: treatment
Treatment for knee synovitis consists of several stages:
Treatment begins with administering anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling at the treating physician’s discretion (rheumatologist).
In addition, heat / cold therapy can be intercalated since the cold is responsible for reducing pain and inflammation, and the application of heat increases circulation and reduces pain.
It is also necessary for people who suffer from this injury to rest and avoid physical activities that only aggravate the situation.
Another option is the application of cortisone injections. Cortisone is a synthetic type steroid used to heal wounds and decrease pain. In the case of injection with cortisone in knee synovitis, it must be applied directly to the area with inflammation.
Once the symptoms have improved by the treatment options mentioned above, the person is required to perform exercises to strengthen the movements that were previously affected and thus be able to restore muscle function. But in those cases in which the lesion becomes destructive, synovectomy is necessary, being the surgical removal of the synovial membrane.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Knee Synovitis: Symptoms and Treatment , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.