Synovial Tissue Damage

Synovial tissue is a connective membrane that helps keep the synovial joints (hips and knees) healthy and lubricated. Not only does the synovium (another term for the synovial membrane) provide lubrication, but it also helps preserve the protective cartilage covering the joint surfaces. Synovitis is a condition that occurs when the synovial tissue becomes swollen and inflamed which, in turn, causes pain and other symptoms in the affected joint.

The knee is one of the most complex synovial joints in the body and is at high risk for developing painful synovitis. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of synovitis and what you can do to treat it.

What Causes Synovial Tissue Damage?

Synovial tissue damage in the knee is commonly caused by the following factors:

Inflammatory disease: synovitis frequently occurs in the setting of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.
Joint overuse: repetitive motions (like squatting) can lead to the synovial tissue becoming swollen and inflamed.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Any treatment plan will begin with conservative measures. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, improve knee function, and prevent the condition from progressing any further. This could include:

Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation
Antirheumatic drugs (depending on the underlying cause)
Cold compression therapy
Periods of rest and elevation
Physical therapy to strengthen the knee
Corticosteroid injections
Regular, low-impact exercise and stretching

If conservative treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be the next step.

Signs and Symptoms of Synovial Tissue Damage

The synovium plays a large role in ensuring your joints move smoothly and without friction. Damage to the synovial tissue can lead to significant pain and joint dysfunction in the knee. Common symptoms include:

Joint pain
Swelling and tenderness
Stiffness
Locking of the knee
Painful mobility

The symptoms of synovial tissue damage look a lot like the symptoms of other common knee conditions. Therefore, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Synovial Tissue Damage

During the diagnostic process, the doctor will ask you questions about specific symptoms and daily activities, personal medical history, and family medical history. They will also perform a physical exam to evaluate for pain and test range of motion. Finally, imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI will be performed.

If the doctor believes synovitis is caused by an underlying inflammatory condition, they may refer you to a rheumatologist for further evaluation.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

If severe synovial tissue damage is unresponsive to conservative treatment, a surgical procedure to remove the inflamed tissue can help relieve pain and improve knee function. This type of minimally invasive surgery is performed with the use of an arthroscope, a flexible tube with a camera, light, and other surgical instruments that are inserted into the affected joint. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.

Reach Out to BEST Health System Today

If you’re living with knee pain, call BEST Health System today. We can connect you to a location near you and from there, our highly skilled medical team will help you develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to the people and activities you love as soon as possible.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms or recieved a diagnosis and need treatment, BEST can help. Take the first step towards relief today.