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Synovitis treatment
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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The most effective methods of pathogenetic treatment of recurrent synovitis are the administration of drugs that neutralize most of the links in the “vicious circle”.
The most effective of them are Indomethacin, Brufen, Salicylates, Heparin, Rumalon, and Glucocorticoids. They are taken according to the instructions. Each drug should be used during meals, 1-2 tablets, 2-3 times a day. The dosage is adjusted depending on each individual case. There are also contraindications regarding the intake, these are hypersensitivity, renal dysfunction and pregnancy. It is also recommended from the 3-4th day to use physical methods (magnetic therapy, UHF, electrophoresis of heparin, lazonil, contrical; phonophoresis of corticosteroid hormones, etc.).
Despite its good efficiency, Heparin is contraindicated due to the risk of increased bleeding into the joint cavity. Complex treatment helps prevent the possibility of the disease becoming chronic and developing a relapse. In chronic inflammation with constant or recurrent effusion and significant infiltration of the synovial membrane, inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes (proteinases, hyaluronidase, lysozyme, etc.) are indicated, as well as agents that stabilize lysosome membranes and reduce their permeability. Trasilol or Contrycal, 5000 U intra-articular (3-5 injections per course at intervals of 3-5 days) are used as such inhibitory factors.
The inhibitory effect on lysosomal enzymes and decreased permeability are also caused by the use of small doses of corticosteroids (hydrocortisone emulsions, Kenalog-40, Dexazone, etc.). Therefore, intra-articular therapy has a significant anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect and quickly normalizes the synovial environment of the joint. It should be emphasized that the use of hydrocortisone and other drugs requires increased aseptic conditions, knowledge of the method of administration, dosage and intervals for the treatment of synovitis.
What doctor treats synovitis?
Many people are interested in the question, what kind of doctor treats synovitis? First of all, a person goes to a therapist, he examines the damaged area and writes out a referral to a specialist. In some cases, the victim immediately goes to see a traumatologist. This mainly happens if unpleasant symptoms appeared immediately after the injury.
Basically, the person is referred to a surgeon. After all, in some cases the problem can be solved directly by surgery. But if the situation is not neglected, then everything can be corrected with medication.
There is no need to worry about which doctor to see. It is enough to simply visit your general practitioner, and he will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Or go straight to see a traumatologist. If the inflammation occurs in a child, it is worth making an appointment with a pediatrician. In any case, synovitis must be quickly diagnosed and treated promptly.
Treatment of synovitis of the knee joint
Treatment of synovitis of the knee joint consists of several effective stages. As a rule, this is a puncture of the joint, immobilization, prescription of medications and surgical treatment (if necessary), and a puncture of the joint.
The main and important component of treatment is joint puncture, which should be performed first when synovitis of the joints is diagnosed. Usually, this procedure is performed in a minor operating room without anesthesia, as it is a low-pain procedure. A thin needle punctures the joint and sucks out the synovial fluid, after which the collected exudate is sent to the laboratory for examination.
Joint immobilization. For the treatment to be truly effective, it is necessary to limit the joint's mobility and provide it with complete rest. Treatment of knee joint inflammation involves immobilization using a pressure bandage or a special patella. In the case of an acute infectious form with severe joint damage, rigid immobilization may be required - the application of splints or plaster splints. As a rule, the period of joint immobilization does not exceed 5-7 days.
Drug therapy. Without the use of tablets, the inflammatory process risks not only prolonging, but also becoming complicated by suppuration of the joint, its destruction or sepsis. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to such drugs as Heparin, Indomethacin, Brufen. They should be taken 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day. The dosage should be adjusted depending on the specific situation. There are also contraindications regarding use. You should not take the drug during pregnancy, hypersensitivity and breastfeeding.
In the treatment of synovitis, the following groups of drugs are used: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proteolytic enzyme inhibitors, corticosteroids, microcirculation regulators and antibiotics.
Treatment of synovitis of the ankle joint
Treatment of ankle synovitis is a set of measures that include medications, exercise and physiotherapy. In some cases, surgery is performed. According to statistics, this disease, if treated in the early stages, does not leave any unpleasant consequences. The main methods of therapy are.
The tablets used are from the group of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal painkillers, for example, Ketanov, Nimesil, Nemid, etc. They can be taken 3-4 times a day, but after meals. These drugs relieve unpleasant pain syndrome. Therefore, an additional set of measures is required to eliminate the problem. In addition, these medications have a number of contraindications. Thus, they cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity and during pregnancy. It is advisable to use them after consulting a doctor.
You can also eliminate inflammation with an ointment. Fastum gel, Diclofenac and Voltaren are suitable for this. They contain anti-inflammatory, analgesic and cooling components. Their action is aimed at reducing the temperature, swelling, pain and redness.
Inflammation can also be eliminated by folk remedies. As a rule, alcohol tinctures, soothing plant extracts, antiseptic solutions, etc. are used. The most popular remedy is an alcohol tincture with honey and lavender. It can disinfect and soothe inflammation. It is necessary to understand that such methods may not only be ineffective, but also provoke complications. Especially if we are talking about an infectious or traumatic cause of synovitis.
Treatment of chronic synovitis
Treatment of chronic synovitis in protracted forms and failure of conservative treatment in most cases is surgical. Partial, subtotal or total synovectomy is performed depending on the severity and spread of the process.
The knee joint cavity is gradually opened by a Payra-type incision. Then a revision is performed, foreign bodies and damaged menisci are removed, and the covering cartilage is sanitized. The pathologically altered synovial membrane is excised. It is not difficult to separate it from the fibrous capsule if you get "into the layer"; then it is removed like a glove. In total synovectomy, which is performed much less frequently and for special forms of synovitis, two additional posterior approaches are used - postero-external and postero-internal.
After synovectomy, careful hemostasis, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory therapy are necessary. The limb is placed on a Beler splint and early non-weight-bearing movements are recommended (from the 3rd-4th day). Joint contractures and recurrent synovitis often occur as complications.
Compress for synovitis
A compress for synovitis should contain a good medicine. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on it. Compresses have a slightly greater therapeutic effect compared to ointments. Of the topical agents used today, three drugs deserve the most attention: Dimexide, Bishofite and medical bile. Dimexide is a chemical substance. It is a liquid with colorless crystals, has a good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Dimexide is really able to penetrate skin barriers. That is, dimexide applied to the skin is really absorbed by the body and works inside it, reducing inflammation at the site of the disease. In addition, the drug has a resolving property and improves metabolism in the area of application, which makes it most useful in the treatment of arthrosis occurring with synovitis, primarily knee and ankle joints.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that Dimexide is contraindicated for patients with liver and kidney diseases, angina, glaucoma and cataracts. The drug is allergenic, so before starting treatment, it is necessary to test for sensitivity to it. For this procedure, the drug is applied to the patient's skin with a cotton swab and wait a certain time. If sharp redness and itching appear, the patient should not use the medicine. If there is no reaction, Dimexide can be used, but with special rules. To prepare a compress, take a tablespoon of boiled water and a tablespoon of Dimexide. Mix all this vigorously in a cup. Then you will need gauze, preferably purchased at a pharmacy and sterile, for example, sterile wipes. The gauze should be moistened in the solution and placed on the affected joint, covered with polyethylene on top, and a layer of cotton wool or cotton fabric should be placed on top of it. We keep this compress from 20 minutes to one hour (no longer!). The procedure is done only once a day, and the course of treatment consists of 15-20 such applications, i.e. it takes on average 2-3 weeks. In this case, synovitis will gradually begin to recede.
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Knee pads for synovitis
Knee pads for synovitis are primarily intended to fix the knee joint to prevent injuries and speed up recovery after surgery. If we talk about the main purpose, the knee pad is used to support the joint after removing the plaster cast. It is very easy to use and can be used without special skills.
This knee brace provides medium fixation and stabilization of the knee. At the same time, it is necessary to compress the joint itself and the anterolateral sections. The knee brace provides a light massage and produces a warming effect. Reinforced seams in the back of the knee brace fix the extension and prevent hypotrophy of the quadriceps.
The knee brace is used for soft fixation of the knee joint. The retainer has compression and slightly tightens the knee joint area. The knee brace performs the same functions as a tight bandage with an elastic bandage. It differs from the bandage in that it is more convenient to use. It can be put on and taken off quite easily without resorting to outside help.
The fixator is contraindicated for use in case of skin diseases in the knee joint area. The main advantage is that this knee brace is almost invisible under clothing. Regarding its use in case of synovitis, it is worth consulting a doctor.
Ointments for synovitis
Ointments for synovitis are usually included in complex treatment. In case of inflammation, it is recommended to use warming ointments to improve blood circulation in the joint. For this purpose, Menovazin, Gevkamen, Espol, Nikoflex-cream, etc. are used. They should be used 2-3 times a day, applying a thin layer to the damaged area. The listed ointments usually cause the patient to feel pleasant warmth and comfort. They rarely cause any side effects.
Ointments based on bee venom (Apizatron, Ungapiven) and snake venom (Viprosal) have an irritating and distracting effect, but, in addition, being absorbed in small quantities through the skin, they improve the elasticity of ligaments and muscles, as well as blood microcirculation. They should also be used 2-3 times a day, applying a thin layer. The product cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity to the main components of the drugs. However, there are also more side effects from their use: such ointments quite often cause allergies and inflammation of the skin in the places of their application. You should also know that they are contraindicated for women during critical days and for children.
Ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances, such as Indomethacin, Butadion, Dolgit, Voltaren-gel and Fastum. They are used only in cases where the course of gonarthrosis is aggravated by synovitis. Unfortunately, they do not act as effectively as we would like - after all, the skin allows no more than 5-7% of the active substance to pass through, and this is clearly not enough to develop a full anti-inflammatory effect.
Antibiotics for synovitis
Antibiotics for synovitis are used exclusively to prevent further progression of the disease. Naturally, the drugs are used in complex therapy. It is impossible to eliminate the problem with antibiotics alone.
Nimid will do. This remedy has excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is necessary to use the remedy 3-4 times a day. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the medication should not be used under any circumstances. In general, the dosage of the drug depends on the complexity of the situation.
You should pay attention to such ointments as Fastum and Voltaren-gel. They also contain antibiotics. The products have excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The drugs should be used 2-3 times a day for a week. The duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the situation. In general, the attending physician decides which antibiotics to use. After all, synovitis is a serious disease that requires complex treatment.
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Dimexide for synovitis
Dimexide is one of the effective means for synovitis. It is an anti-inflammatory drug for external use, inactivates hydroxyl radicals, improves the course of metabolic processes in the inflammation focus. In addition, the drug has a local anesthetic, analgesic and antimicrobial effect; has moderate fibrinolytic activity. Dimexide penetrates the skin, mucous membranes, the membrane of microbial cells (increases their sensitivity to antibiotics) and other biological membranes, increases their permeability for drugs.
Indications. The drug is used as part of complex therapy: diseases of the musculoskeletal system: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease), deforming osteoarthrosis (in the presence of periarticular tissue damage), reactive synovitis; limited scleroderma, nodular erythema, discoid lupus erythematosus, in skin-plastic surgery - preservation of skin homografts.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, severe liver and/or kidney failure, angina, severe atherosclerosis, glaucoma, cataract, stroke, coma, myocardial infarction, pregnancy, lactation period.
There are also side effects. These include allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, erythematous rashes, dry skin, mild burning, itchy dermatitis; rarely, bronchospasm.
The method of application and dosage depend on the complexity of the disease. On the skin, in the form of applications and irrigations (washings). Gauze napkins are moistened in a solution of the required concentration and applied to the affected areas for 20-30 minutes. A polyethylene film and cotton or linen fabric are applied over the napkin. The duration of applications is 10-15 days. A 5% solution in Ringer's solution is used as a preservative medium for storing skin homotransplants. Less concentrated solutions are used to wash purulent-necrotic and inflammatory foci and cavities. Ointment - in the form of rubbing 2-3 times a day.
Alflutop for synovitis
Alflutop is taken for synovitis according to different schemes. Basically, this is an intramuscular injection of the drug, a combined one, which involves intra-articular administration of Alflutop in combination with intramuscular injections.
The second scheme is more effective, but, nevertheless, associated with possible complications (reactive synovitis, infectious arthritis, etc.). The symptomatic effect of Alflutop has also been demonstrated by many researchers. Long-term studies regarding this drug have not been conducted.
Studies of Alflutop for pain reduction. The analgesic effect of the drug, which manifests itself quite quickly, is quite intriguing. An open multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Alflutop in patients with vertebrogenic cervicobrachialgia demonstrated its ability to reduce the severity of pain, increase mobility in the cervical spine and shoulder joint. In general, a positive result was noted in 82% of patients, while the analgesic effect manifested itself within the first 2 weeks after the start of treatment. A special double-blind placebo-controlled study on the use of Alflutop for chronic lumbosciatica also demonstrated its A course of treatment with Alflutop leads to a reliable decrease in the intensity of pain in the study group of patients with chronic back pain. As a result of therapy, a reliable improvement in the motor functions of patients was noted, which is an important factor in the prevention of relapses and chronification of pain. All this indicates that this drug must be taken for synovitis.
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Physiotherapy for synovitis
Physiotherapy for synovitis can help with different types of the disease. The body's reactions to the physical factor of the physiotherapy procedure are specific to a certain state of the body, although therapeutic effects sometimes develop on the basis of general (non-specific) reactions of the body.
This specificity requires a targeted choice of the physiotherapy factor and the method of its application. The fact is that the constituent essence of the pathogenetic action of therapeutic physical factors is at a high level
If an infection occurs, purulent inflammation develops. In addition to treating the underlying disease, joint puncture is performed, a pressure bandage is applied, the limb is immobilized with a plaster cast, and physiotherapy is prescribed. In acute synovitis, treatment is performed in a hospital.
The goal of physiotherapy for synovitis in the active phase of the disease is to achieve stabilization and regression of the process, in the inactive phase - to relieve the syndrome. Only the attending physician can prescribe certain exercises.
Massage for synovitis
Massage for synovitis has a positive effect. The fact is that spasm of periarticular muscles causes an increase in intra-articular pressure and load on the articular surface, as well as a decrease in blood flow in the muscle, resulting in local ischemia. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively eliminate muscle spasm. This stage is of great importance in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with inflammation.
This intervention is carried out very carefully and only with the permission of a doctor. The fact is that in most cases it is necessary to ensure complete immobility of the joint. This is the only way to achieve effective treatment. Naturally, you cannot do without special medications. Massage is carried out in exceptional cases. And does not represent serious pressure on the damaged area. Because there is a risk of worsening the situation. Information regarding the disease synovitis and its elimination by massage should be obtained from the attending physician.
Treatment of synovitis with folk remedies
Treatment of synovitis with folk remedies can be started only with the permission of a doctor. Depending on the nature of the disease and personal convenience, you can choose any of the proposed recipes, or a combination of them.
- Recipe 1. Comfrey tincture for treating inflammation.
You need to take half a glass of crushed comfrey roots and pour half a liter of vodka. Then leave it for two weeks in a dark place. Take the tincture one teaspoon three times a day with water.
- Recipe 2. Comfrey decoction for knee joint damage.
One tablespoon of comfrey roots is poured with a glass of boiling water in a thermos, tightly closed and infused for about an hour. This infusion should be drunk throughout the day, distributing the portions evenly. Continue treatment for at least a month.
- Recipe 3. Homemade comfrey ointment.
Grind 200 grams of salted pork fat and a glass of fresh comfrey grass. Mix everything well and place in the refrigerator for five days. Rub the resulting ointment into the sore joint twice a day, then fix the joint with an elastic bandage.
- Recipe 4. Herbal collection against inflammation.
It is necessary to take equal parts of mistletoe, St. John's wort, thyme, oregano, eucalyptus, bearberry, calendula flowers, celandine, tansy, oregano, valerian, licorice, calamus root, marshmallow. Mix everything and put in a glass container. Pour half a liter of boiling water over a tablespoon of the mixture and boil for about two more minutes. Then remove the tincture from the heat and strain. Evenly distribute the amount of infusion between meals. Continue treatment for at least two months.
- Recipe 5. Treatment of synovitis with laurel oil.
Two tablespoons of finely chopped bay leaf are poured with 200 grams of sunflower or olive oil. The container is closed and left to infuse for a week. The resulting extract is shaken well and filtered. Rub the affected joint with this oil at night and, if possible, during the day.