Knee synovitis is a condition that occurs once the synovial membrane which covers and lubricates the knee joint ends up inflamed. To learn to recognize and manage knee injuries and conditions, sign up for a first aid class with a credible Canadian provider near you.
Symptoms
The symptoms include pain and swelling that is accompanied with stiffness in the knee joint. There is an increase in the skin temperature and redness over the area. Once the individual is suspected with knee synovitis, the doctor will be referred to undergo scans such as an MRI and fluid can be taken from the knee and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Close look on knee synovitis
Knee synovitis typically occurs once the synovial membrane that lines and lubricates the knee joint becomes swollen. It is important to note that synovitis can be caused by another condition such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis or develop on its own.
All the big joints in the body are considered as synovial joints. These joints are bordered by the synovial membrane which covers the joint and loosens it by producing synovial fluid. Take note that this covering can end up inflamed, resulting to stiffness in the joint and pain.
Synovitis is usually a secondary condition that is caused by another condition such as arthritis. It can also be instigated by an injury to the knee joint or even cancer. Due to this, it is vital that an individual suspected with knee synovitis should undergo proper assessment by a doctor.
Treatment
The treatment for knee synovitis usually depends on the exact cause. In case it is an injury, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is used and considered effective.
In case the cause is arthritis, anti-inflammatory medications are enough to manage the condition. In cases that are caused by serious conditions, treatment of the underlying condition is the main objective, although arthroscopic surgery might be carried out in order to remove the affected synovial tissue.
What is pigmented villonodular synovitis?
When it comes to this form of synovitis, it is considered as a serious condition that leads to an overgrowth of the synovial membrane, resulting to a benign tumor. This condition typically affects the hip and knee joints.
The symptoms of pigmented villonodular synovitis include episodes of pain and swelling that comes and goes with abrupt swelling. The pain gradually worsens with the knee joint oftentimes catching or locking. If the condition is not treated early, it can spread to other tissues. Once an individual is suspected with this condition, an MRI is usually ordered by the doctor and the synovial fluid is drained from the knee for testing. In some circumstances, a biopsy will also be taken in order to confirm a diagnosis.
The treatment for this condition typically involves the removal of the tumor through synovectomy in order to remove the affected lining. Some cases are known to recur and radiation therapy might be used. When it comes to recurring cases, a full knee replacement might be recommended by the doctor.