Synovitis: Causes & Treatments of Joint Inflammation

Causes of Synovitis

The primary cause of inflammation of the synovium is related to an overactive immune system. In these situations, your immune system attacks your healthy synovium. This causes excessive growth of the synovium. The membrane becomes inflamed and produces additional synovial fluid.

With these conditions, the joint cartilage and bone can eventually become damaged, leading to stiffness, swelling, warmth in the joint, and significant pain.

Inflammation of the synovial tissue is often related to arthritic conditions. It’s most common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it also presents with psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and gout.

Synovitis can also be seen with trauma and infection.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing synovitis, a healthcare provider usually starts with a physical exam of the joints, checking for warmth and seeing if they are tender when touched. The thickening of the area manifests as a sponginess that can be felt.

In cases where the inflammation is related to a joint that is deeper under the skin and can’t be checked by hand or eyes, your healthcare provider may order an MRI or musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Treatment

To reduce inflammation and relieve pain, your healthcare provider will likely advise rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that help manage arthritis may also relieve symptoms of synovitis. Sometimes, your healthcare provider may prescribe steroid injections to reduce swelling and discomfort.

If medication does not help ease synovitis, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon who can perform a synovectomy. This is a procedure in which part of the synovium is removed.

Summary

Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of the tissue that lines your joints. This tissue can become damaged, which leads to a thickening of the membrane and excessive fluid. An underlying autoimmune disease that affects the joints, usually RA, is the most likely cause of synovitis, but other types of arthritis and wear and tear can also cause it.

Anti-inflammatory medications are the first line of treatment. However, DMARDS, steroid injections, or even surgery may be required to relieve your pain.