Synovitis Causes & Treatment

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What Is Synovitis?

 To better understand synovitis and how it may be impacting you, it’s helpful to know how your joints are structured.

Where two bones meet to form a joint—such as in your knee, elbow, or ankle—there is a joint capsule. This capsule acts like a protective, envelope-like structure made of tough connective tissue that attaches to the bones and encloses the joint’s internal components.

Just inside the joint capsule lies the synovium, a connective tissue lining that produces synovial fluid. This fluid plays a key role in lubricating the joint, helping to reduce friction and allow smooth movement.When you’re diagnosed with synovitis, it means the synovium has become inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort within the joint.

pain in the forefoot possibly caused by joint synovitis

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What Causes Synovitis?

There are two main causes of synovitis that we commonly treat. The first is overuse or strain of the joint. Repeatedly overloading the joint can irritate and damage the synovium, leading to inflammation and swelling. Factors contributing to joint overload may include foot posture and biomechanics (such as flat feet), poorly supportive footwear, improper training schedules—like increasing activity too quickly—and other external influences.
 
The second cause is inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells, leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.

Symptoms Of Synovitis

Joint pain is the most common symptom of synovitis. While inflammation plays a role, signs like redness and stiffness around the joint may not always be prominent. This stiffness and discomfort can sometimes cause you to adjust the way you walk to avoid aggravating the pain.

Synovitis may affect one or multiple joints and can present symmetrically or asymmetrically, depending on the underlying cause. The pain may occur in flares, or in cases of overuse injuries, the joint may continue to ache, particularly when placed under pressure or strain.

If the joint capsule isn’t given adequate time to heal, the condition can worsen, leading to increased pain and potential changes to the joint, such as the development of bony prominences. This highlights the importance of addressing joint pain promptly to prevent further damage.

Because joints are prone to various types of injury and damage, medical imaging is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Overuse-related synovitis may also occur alongside other conditions like tendonitis. At Priority Podiatry Clinic, we thoroughly assess your symptoms to provide an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

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Treating Synovitis

The most effective treatment for synovitis depends on the underlying cause and the specific joints involved. Our aim is to reduce pain, restore mobility and comfort, support the healing process, and prevent future joint damage—particularly when overuse is the root cause. Treatments we may recommend include:
  • Off-loading techniques: Custom foot orthotics can redistribute pressure away from the inflamed joint during walking, reducing pain and preventing further strain while aiding recovery.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): These help manage pain and inflammation.
  • Appropriate footwear: Supportive footwear can improve foot posture, promoting optimal joint alignment and reducing stress on the affected joints.
  • Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises for surrounding muscles can address tightness or weakness that may have contributed to joint overuse.

At Priority Podiatry Clinic, we tailor treatment to your individual needs to ensure a smooth recovery and help you stay active and pain-free.

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