In addition to rest and ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by synovitis.
Synovitis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs ranging from aspirin to ibuprofen to corticosteroids. Specific treatment is based upon both the presumed cause of the synovitis and the particular patient's response and level of tolerance of any particular medication.
Transient synovitis (irritable hip) is the most common cause of limping in children. It is generally a mild condition that will get better on its own with rest, usually within two weeks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation.
Synovitis can go away on its own, but if the symptoms linger, treatment may be necessary. Treatment for synovitis depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, treatments are geared to decrease inflammation, lessen swelling, and manage pain.
Toxic synovitis usually goes away within a week or two, but sometimes can last for 4–5 weeks.
Heat increases blood flow to an affected area, which promotes healing and relaxes muscle spasms. Cold restricts blood flow, reducing swelling and inflammation. It also numbs pain around the affected area. Generally speaking, ice is better for inflammatory pain.
Treatment for synovitis usually consists of rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Medications may include oral drugs known as DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) and, in some cases, steroid injections.
Importance of exercise: The synovial membrane produces synovial fluid, and production is increased when exercise increases circulation of fluid and nutrients to these membranes. Any physical activity can stimulate lubrication in your joints, but some exercises in particular may be most beneficial.
Use heating pads for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Use of cold, such as applying ice packs to sore muscles, can relieve pain and inflammation after strenuous exercise. Massage. Massage might improve pain and stiffness temporarily.
Taking glucosamine supplements regularly can improve the amount of synovial fluid in your joints, which will improve their ability to absorb impacts. It is important to have adequate amounts of this vitamin, which helps your body absorb calcium. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and protects bone tissues.
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.
Synovial joint fluid is essential to a healthy joint, but too much can contribute to swelling and discomfort. Applying a cold compress to a resting joint can slow the production of joint fluid. Distract the brain from the inflammation.
It's common with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but also occurs with psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and gout. Synovitis does not typically with osteoarthritis, however, says Dr. Domingues. This wear-and-tear form of arthritis causes little, if any, synovial inflammation.
The glucosamine treatment group showed a lower level of cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation compared to the control group.
Untreated synovitis can lead to permanent joint damage. Over time, this condition may even destroy nearby bone and cartilage in the joint. But that's not all. Synovitis can also damage other structures that support the joint like the tendons—the tissues that connect our muscles to our bones.
The different stages of synovitis: acute vs chronic, early vs late and non-erosive vs erosive.
Many studies have shown that erosions and synovitis can be picked up at an early stage on ultrasonography (US) when X-rays appear normal.
Walking is the best way to begin the transition from inactivity to activity—even if you have arthritis in a weight-bearing joint like your knee or hip. Walking is a low-impact activity that can help relieve arthritis pain, stiffness, and swelling, but that's not the only reason walking can be a great form of exercise.
Stress signalling is part of a cellular response to potentially harmful stimuli and thus is essentially involved in the process of synovitis.
Some patients exhibit persistent chronic synovitis, which is marked by joint swelling (2) and may or may not be accompanied by pain. The reason for the absence of pain despite the persistent joint swelling is unknown.
Transient synovitis is an inflammation in the hip joint that causes pain, limp and sometimes refusal to bear weight. This occurs in pre-pubescent children and is the most common cause of hip pain. It occurs when a viral infection, such as an upper respiratory infection, moves to and settles in the hip joint.