Reactive synovitis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Often in the tissues of the synovial membrane of the joint, an inflammatory process, a reactive synovitis, can develop. It is not uncommon because of inflammation of bursitis.
Often, the synovitis is humerus, hip, ankle and knee. Each of these subspecies has its own characteristics. But the only thing that unites them, is a strong pain syndrome, and inflammation, to fight which you need immediately. After all, sometimes it is simply impossible to cope with the help of ordinary conservative treatment. In this case, surgical intervention is prescribed.
[Reasons for reactive synovitis
Why does this phenomenon occur and what are the main causes of reactive synovitis? The inflammatory process can occur at any time. For this, you do not need to perform any specific actions. So, a strong trauma, a cut and even a fine abrasion can provoke inflammation. Do not forget about allergic reactions, as well as mechanical effects on the joint. In general, there are quite a lot of reasons for the development of this phenomenon. Therefore, if nevertheless there is a certain predisposition to this disease, it is more often to visit a doctor. After all, sometimes a reactive synovitis arises from the instability of the joint.
Symptoms of reactive synovitis
Determine the presence of the disease is simple, because there are the main symptoms of a reactive synovitis. If we are talking about the acute course of the disease, then the symptoms are quite bright. Simply put, it's simply impossible not to notice this. So, there is pain in the area of the affected joint, and it is quite strong. The mobility of the same joint is capable of decreasing by several times, there is a strong violation of limb functions, as well as a weakening of the ligament apparatus. In extremely rare cases, all this is accompanied by an increase in temperature. Therefore, if you have any symptoms, you should immediately seek help. So that the situation does not become critical.
Reactive synovitis of the knee joint
What is dangerous for a reactive synovitis of the knee joint? It must be understood that this particular part of the body itself is the most loaded one. After all, when moving a person takes all the load on his knee. Therefore, if there is any injury, inflammation occurs. To understand that a person has a knee joint that is inflamed, just the first symptoms appear on the second day. There is a pain syndrome, which is not sharp at all, but looks like a aching and prolonged. At the decision of the diagnosis the main thing not to be mistaken and not to confuse it with other disease. In this case, everything is accompanied by an increased body temperature and redness in the area of inflammation. The diagnosis is made by the doctor, he also prescribes treatment. In general, reactive synovitis is not a dangerous disease if it is immediately treated.
Reactive synovitis of the hip joint
What is the difference between a reactive synovitis of the hip joint from the knee? In general, there are no special differences. The nature of the pain is similar, and not, always the same redness is observed. But here the raised or increased temperature, happens, and is enough high. The fact that the hip joint is also subject to a heavy load. Therefore dislocations, traumas and even abrasions do not always pass without a trace. Therefore, if you have pain and redness of the injured place, you need to go to see a doctor. If there is severe pain, you can first drink anesthetic. Often, the mobility of the joint is limited and it becomes difficult for a person to move independently. That's why the reactive synovitis is dangerous, so treatment should be timely.
Reactive synovitis of the ankle
Why there is a jet synovitis ankle joint? The most interesting thing is that this phenomenon does not always occur due to trauma. The fact is that even uncomfortable and substandard footwear can cause synovitis. Therefore it is better to give preference to the right and high-quality footwear. To protect yourself from injuries and abrasions is not always possible. How does the reactive synovitis of the ankle manifest itself? In fact, everything is exactly the same as with other types of disease. Only in this case it is difficult for a person to step on his leg, and sometimes he can not move independently. Therefore, to go for help, you need to get someone's support. Often, inflammation and lack of mobility, accompanied by high fever. So to postpone visit to the doctor it is not necessary.
Where does it hurt?
What's bothering you?
Diagnosis of reactive synovitis
What is the diagnosis of reactive synovitis in this case? Often, everything ends with a simple inspection, but in general, much depends on the specific case. Therefore, sometimes it is simply impossible to refuse surgical intervention. This decision is made only by the attending physician, on the basis of how badly damaged or the joint is changed. In this case, an ordinary puncture is performed. How does this manipulation take place? Due to a slight puncture of the skin, the doctor manages to take a sample of the affected tissue. With further study, a decision is made about treatment. After all, reactive synovitis gives a person a lot of trouble and unpleasant sensations.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
What tests are needed?
Who to contact?
Treatment of reactive synovitis
How does reactive synovitis occur? In this case, everything depends on the stage of the disease. In general, the treatment is complex, the necessary measures are selected depending on the specific case. It should be understood that it can be both conservative and operational. In any case, at the first stages, punctures are performed in order to remove the effusion. If we are talking about an extremely complex form of the disease, then superimposed on the affected joint is the tire, for about one week. If a relapse occurs, then drugs such as heparin, rumalone and brufen are used. Which is the most optimal, determines the attending physician. If conservative treatment was not enough, then it is replaced by surgical intervention. In this case, a decision is made regarding the removal of the damaged joint. But this is done in the event that the reactive synovitis has taken too heavy a shape.
Treatment of reactive synovitis of the knee joint
How is the reactive synovitis of the knee treated and is surgical intervention necessary? Here much depends on the severity of the disease, immediately something concrete to say will be difficult. The first thing the doctor should do is a puncture and on the basis of it already decide what to do next. So, basically the reactive synovitis is treated with the help of medicines. Both anesthetics and anti-inflammatory medications are taken. So the most effective are considered brufen and rumanol. Often, they also prescribe warming ointments. It should be understood that it is forbidden to use them independently. If there is no relief after such treatment, an operative intervention is prescribed.
Treatment of reactive synovitis of the hip joint
How is the treatment of reactive synovitis of the hip joint in chronic form? In this case it is appropriate to use inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes. These include lysozyme, proteinases, hyaluronidases and many others. Also prescribed drugs that can reduce the permeability of the membrane and, thus, stabilize it. For such purposes, it will be appropriate to use tracerol or countercracker. It must be understood that they are injected into the joint. The duration of such treatment is 3-5 days, depending on the condition of the person. It is desirable that the number of injections does not exceed 5 per day. Such treatment will significantly improve the condition and send a reactive synovitis, but will not remove everything completely.
Treatment of reactive synovitis of the ankle
What is the most effective treatment for reactive synovitis of the ankle joint? In general, there are two types of treatment, it is conservative, that is to say with the use of medicines and operative. The first is the use of effective medications that will remove the pain syndrome and generally improve the patient's condition. But before that, you still need to make a puncture, according to which you can determine how difficult the situation is. If after medication, a person does not feel relieved, it is worthwhile to think about an operative intervention. In this case, the inflammation is removed and also the patient's condition is maintained with the help of medications. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, on the basis of what form of severity the reactive synovitis took.
More information of the treatment
Prophylaxis of reactive synovitis
What is the prevention of reactive synovitis? It must be understood that this phenomenon occurs as a result of a trauma or injury. Due to damage, inflammation develops, which can lead to the emergence of a reactive synovitis. Therefore, if any inflammatory processes occur, they must be immediately eliminated. After all, this can entail more serious consequences. In addition, it is necessary to prevent traumatic actions that can affect the joint and thereby cause synovitis. Therefore, if you receive any injury, it is still necessary to consult a doctor.
Prognosis of reactive synovitis
What is the prognosis of a reactive synovitis? Here a lot depends on how quickly a person turned for help. So, reactive synovitis may well take on a chronic form. In this case, the patient will have to maintain the joint for the rest of his life. If you get qualified help in time, you can avoid all unpleasant sensations. In this case, the outlook is positive. If, with prescribed medication, a person does not feel better, then surgery is prescribed. In this case, the focus of inflammation is removed. Again, the prognosis is positive, if not delayed with treatment. A reactive synovitis is not so difficult to treat as to do it on time.