Medical expert of the article
New publications
Reactive synovitis
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.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, an inflammatory process can develop in the tissues of the synovial membrane of the joint - reactive synovitis. This often occurs against the background of inflammation of the bursitis.
Often, synovitis is shoulder, hip, ankle and knee. Each of these subtypes has its own characteristics. But the only thing they have in common is a strong pain syndrome and inflammation, which must be dealt with immediately. After all, sometimes it is simply impossible to cope with the help of ordinary conservative treatment. In this case, surgical intervention is prescribed.
[ Causes of reactive synovitis
Why does this phenomenon occur and what are the main causes of reactive synovitis? The inflammatory process can occur at any time. You don’t need to perform any specific actions for this. Thus, a severe injury, a cut, and even a small abrasion can provoke inflammation. We should not forget about allergic reactions, as well as mechanical impact on the joint. In general, there are quite a few reasons for the development of this phenomenon. Therefore, if there is still some predisposition to this disease, then you should visit a doctor more often. After all, sometimes reactive synovitis occurs due to joint instability.
Symptoms of reactive synovitis
It is easy to determine the presence of the disease, because there are the main symptoms of reactive synovitis. If we are talking about an acute course of the disease, then the symptoms are quite pronounced. Simply put, it is simply impossible not to notice it. So, pain appears in the area of the affected joint, and it is quite strong. The mobility of that very joint can decrease several times, there is a strong impairment of the functions of the limb, as well as weakening of the ligamentous apparatus. In extremely rare cases, all this is accompanied by an increase in temperature. Therefore, if any symptoms appear, you must immediately seek help. So that the situation does not become critical.
Reactive synovitis of the knee joint
What is the danger of reactive synovitis of the knee joint? It is necessary to understand that this part of the body is the most loaded. After all, when moving, a person takes the entire load on the knee. Therefore, when any injury occurs, inflammation appears. It is easy to understand that a person has an inflamed knee joint, the first symptoms appear on the second day. A pain syndrome occurs, which is not sharp at all, but similar to aching and long-lasting. When making a diagnosis, the main thing is not to make a mistake and not to confuse it with another disease. In this case, everything is accompanied by an elevated body temperature and redness in the area of inflammation. The diagnosis is made by a doctor, who also prescribes treatment. In general, reactive synovitis is not a dangerous disease if you start treating it immediately.
Reactive synovitis of the hip joint
What is the difference between reactive synovitis of the hip joint and the knee? In general, there are no special differences. The nature of the pain is similar, and not always the same redness. But the fever can be high, and quite high. The fact is that the hip joint is also subject to heavy loads. Therefore, dislocations, injuries and even abrasions do not always pass without a trace. Therefore, if pain and redness of the injured area occur, you need to go to see a doctor. If there is severe pain, you can first take a painkiller. Often, joint mobility is limited and it becomes difficult for a person to move independently. This is what makes reactive synovitis dangerous, so treatment should be timely.
Reactive synovitis of the ankle joint
Why does reactive synovitis of the ankle joint occur? The most interesting thing is that this phenomenon does not always occur as a result of injury. The fact is that even uncomfortable and low-quality shoes can cause synovitis. Therefore, it is better to give preference to the right and high-quality shoes. It is not always possible to protect yourself from injuries and abrasions. How does reactive synovitis of the ankle joint manifest itself? In fact, everything is exactly the same as with other types of the disease. Only in this case, a person has difficulty stepping on his foot, and sometimes he cannot move independently. Therefore, in order to go for help, you need to get someone's support. Often, inflammation and low mobility are accompanied by an elevated temperature. So you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.
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 examination, but in general, much depends on the specific case. Therefore, sometimes it is simply impossible to refuse surgical intervention. Only the attending physician makes such a decision, based on how badly the joint is damaged or changed. In this case, a regular puncture is performed. How does this manipulation occur? Thanks to a slight puncture of the skin, the doctor manages to take a sample of the affected tissue. With further examination, a decision is made about treatment. After all, reactive synovitis causes a lot of trouble and discomfort to a person.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
What tests are needed?
Who to contact?
Treatment of reactive synovitis
How is reactive synovitis treated? In this case, everything depends on the stage of the disease. In general, the treatment is complex, the necessary measures are selected depending on a particular case. It should be understood that it can be both conservative and surgical. 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 a splint is applied to the affected joint for about one week. If a relapse occurs, then medications such as heparin, rumalon and brufen are used. Which is the most optimal is determined by the attending physician. If conservative treatment is not enough, then it is replaced by surgical intervention. In this case, a decision is made to remove the damaged joint. But this is done if the reactive synovitis has taken too severe a form.
Treatment of reactive synovitis of the knee joint
How is reactive synovitis of the knee joint treated and is surgery necessary? Much depends on the severity of the disease, it will be difficult to say anything specific right away. First of all, the doctor must do a puncture and, based on it, decide what to do next. So, reactive synovitis is mainly treated with medications. Both painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are taken. So, brufen and rumanol are considered the most effective. Warming ointments are often prescribed. It is worth understanding that it is prohibited to use them on your own. If there is no relief after such treatment, surgery is prescribed.
Treatment of reactive synovitis of the hip joint
How is chronic reactive synovitis of the hip joint treated? In this case, it is appropriate to use inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes. These include lysozyme, proteinases, hyaluronidases and many others. Also prescribed are drugs that can reduce the permeability of the membrane and, thus, stabilize it. For such purposes, it is appropriate to use trasylol or contrical. It is necessary to understand that they are injected into the joint. The duration of such treatment is 3-5 days, depending on the person's condition. It is desirable that the number of injections does not exceed 5 per day. Such treatment will significantly improve the condition and weaken reactive synovitis, but will not remove everything completely.
Treatment of reactive synovitis of the ankle joint
What is the most effective treatment for reactive synovitis of the ankle? In general, there are two types of treatment: conservative, that is, using medications, and surgical. 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 do a puncture, the results of which can determine how difficult the situation is. If after medication, a person does not feel relief, it is worth considering surgery. In this case, the inflammation is removed and the patient's condition is also maintained with medications. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, based on the severity of the reactive synovitis.
More information of the treatment
Prevention of reactive synovitis
What is the prevention of reactive synovitis? It is important to understand that this phenomenon occurs as a result of injury or bruise. Due to the injury, inflammation appears, which can lead to the development of reactive synovitis. Therefore, if any inflammatory processes occur, they must be eliminated immediately. After all, this can lead to 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, you should still consult a doctor.
Prognosis of reactive synovitis
What is the prognosis for reactive synovitis? Much depends on how quickly a person seeks help. Thus, reactive synovitis may well become chronic. In this case, the diseased joint will have to be maintained throughout life. If you receive qualified help in time, all unpleasant sensations can be avoided. In this case, the prognosis is positive. If, with the prescribed drug treatment, a person does not feel any improvement, then surgery is prescribed. In this case, the inflammation is removed. Again, the prognosis is positive if you do not delay treatment. Reactive synovitis is not as difficult to treat as it is to do it in time.