SYNOVITIS.DEFINITION ,CAUSES ,SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Description
Synovial fluid is a transparent, viscid fluid secreted by the synovial membrane and found in joint cavities, bursae, and tendon sheaths.

Analysis of synovial fluid aspirated from a joint can confirm or rule out various joint diseases such as traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes
Synovitis Causes
Synovitis is a major problem in rheumatoid arthritis, in juvenile arthritis, in lupus, and in psoriatic arthritis. It may also be associated with rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, trauma, or gout.

Rheumatoid arthritis involves synovitis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane lining the joint becomes inflamed. The cells in the membrane divide and grow and inflammatory cells come into the joint from other parts of the body.

Symptoms
Symptoms of Synovitis
Because of the mass of inflammatory cells in rheumatoid arthritis, the joint appears swollen and feels puffy or boggy to the touch. The increased blood flow that is a feature of the inflammation makes the joint warm. The cells release enzymes into the joint space which causes further pain and irritation. If the process continues for years, the enzymes may gradually digest the cartilage and bone of the joint leading to chronic pain and degenerative changes.

Diagnosis
Diagnosing Synovitis
In addition to the clinical presentation (warm, red, and swollen joints), the diagnosis may be helped by Synovial Fluid Analysis. This is a test that examines the lubricating fluid secreted by synovial membranes. The test is useful in the diagnosis of some types of arthritis (primarily those caused by infection, gout, or pseudogout).

The test takes about half an hour and usually is done in a physician's office or hospital. No special preparations are necessary. The skin over the joint is cleaned with an antiseptic. Usually, a local anesthetic is injected. Using a thin needle, the physician will withdraw a sample of fluid for analysis, including culture of the fluid if infection is a possible diagnosis, and examination for crystals to diagnose gout or pseudogout.

If needed, medication (usually a corticosteroid preparation) can be injected into the joint space through this needle after the specimen is taken.

Treatment
Synovitis Treatment
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.
Prevention of Synovitis
Here are ways to prevent synovitis:

Regular Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises (e.g., swimming, cycling) to keep joints flexible and strong.
Proper Joint Protection: Use protective gear during sports or high-risk activities to prevent injury to the joints.
Maintain Healthy Weight: Achieving and maintaining an optimal weight helps reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees and hips.
Early Treatment of Joint Injuries ...

1. SYNOVITIS PRESENTED BY REKHANJALI GUPTA NURSING TUTOR AROGYAM NURSING COLLEGE ROORKEE

2. INTRODUCTION Synovitis is the inflammation of the synovial  membrane. The synovial membrane is soft and thin membrane yet has various significant roles that are very essentials for our body movements.

3. DEFINITION Synovitis is swelling ( inflammation ) in the synovial membrane that lines some of your joints. Arthritis and injuries to joints are the most common causes.

4. Any joint in your body that has a synovial membrane can develop synovitis. The most common joints affected by synovitis include your: Knees . Hips . Shoulders . Elbows. Ankles.

5. RISK FACTORS Anyone can experience synovitis. Some people who are more likely to develop synovitis include: People with arthritis. People with autoimmune disorders. Athletes. People who do manual labor.

6. CAUSES Rheumatoid arthritis . Repetitive strain injuries. Infections. Sports injuries . Traumas like falls and car accidents. Autoimmune disorders Allergic reactions.

7. SYMPTOMS Symptoms of synovitis include: Joint pain . Swelling. Warmth or a hot feeling around a joint. Stiffness. Trouble moving a joint. Decreased Function

8. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION Physical Examination : The doctor examines the joint for signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, heat, and tenderness . Medical History : A detailed history of symptoms, injuries, or underlying conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

9. Ultrasound : Used to visualize joint swelling, fluid accumulation, and soft tissue changes within the synovium X-rays: Helps detect joint damage, cartilage wear, or bone involvement, which could indicate underlying causes like arthritis.

10. MRI : Provides detailed images of soft tissues, helping to assess the degree of inflammation, fluid buildup, and structural damage in the joint. Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis): Fluid is extracted from the affected joint and analyzed to identify signs of infection.

11. Blood Tests : Can assess markers of inflammation (e.g., ESR, C-reactive protein) and detect underlying conditions like  rheumatoid arthritis . Synovial Biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of the synovial membrane may be taken to look for infection or inflammation that could confirm the diagnosis of synovitis and its cause.

12. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT Anti-inflammatory Medications: Medications are often the first line of treatment for synovitis. They include: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):  To reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids:  Either oral or injectable, to provide rapid relief from inflammation.

13. Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs):  For chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Rest and Joint Protection: Avoiding activities that strain the affected joint to allow for healing. Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and function of the joint. Splints or Braces: Supporting the joint to restrict movement.

14. Surgery: In rare, severe cases, surgical intervention may be required, including joint cleaning (arthroscopy) or  joint replacement . Lifestyle Modifications: Diet changes and weight management to reduce joint strain, especially for weight-bearing joints like the knees.

15. PREVENTION Regular Exercise:  Engage in low-impact exercises (e.g., swimming, cycling) to keep joints flexible and strong. Proper Joint Protection:  Use protective gear during sports or high-risk activities to prevent injury to the joints.

16. Manage Inflammatory Conditions:  Control underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or lupus with appropriate medications to prevent flare-ups that may lead to synovitis. Balanced Diet:  Consume a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables)