Synovitis Treatment

Synovitis is a common inflammation of joint soft tissues, usually affecting the knee, shoulder, elbow, and other joints, presenting as joint pain, swelling, and limited mobility. It is prevalent in middle-aged and elderly individuals, athletes, and rheumatic patients, and may also result from trauma or chronic strain. Treatment methods include stem cell therapy, medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Without timely intervention, the disease can affect articular cartilage and bone tissue, eventually causing irreversible joint deformity or functional loss.

Emerging Treatment Methods

1. Stem Cell Therapy — Joint Reconstruction

As an important approach in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy has been widely applied in the treatment of synovitis. By injecting mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord or adipose tissue, this therapy repairs synovial tissue, improves the joint environment, reduces chronic inflammation, and fundamentally delays or even reverses disease progression.

① Promotes repair of synovium and cartilage, improving joint structure and lubrication.

② Inhibits local inflammatory responses, reducing recurrent flare-ups.

③ Modulates the immune system, alleviating autoimmune damage associated with synovitis.

④ Enhances synovial fluid quality, easing pain and swelling caused by friction.

⑤ Suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate drugs or surgery, with low risk and quick recovery.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first-line treatment for synovitis, helping to relieve pain and inflammation. For cases caused by rheumatic or immune factors, corticosteroids, antirheumatic drugs, or immunosuppressants may be used as adjuncts. These medications require long-term standardized use to avoid liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal complications.

2. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Exercises

Methods such as hot compresses, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and shock wave therapy can improve local circulation and relieve pain. Combined with professional rehabilitation exercises, including passive flexion-extension and muscle strengthening, they help maintain joint flexibility and reduce adhesions, particularly beneficial for chronic cases.

3. Intra-articular Injections

In cases of significant effusion or acute swelling, sodium hyaluronate or corticosteroids may be injected into the joint cavity to relieve pain, reduce friction, and ease inflammation. This method works quickly but provides limited duration of relief and should not be used frequently.

4. Arthroscopic Surgery

For patients with recurrent flare-ups severely affecting quality of life, arthroscopic surgery can be performed to remove diseased synovial tissue, reduce secretion of inflammatory mediators, and improve joint function. Postoperative rehabilitation exercises are necessary to prevent re-adhesion and movement restriction.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and herbal steaming can help relieve pain and improve blood circulation. Oral herbal medicines that promote blood circulation, dispel wind, and eliminate dampness are often used as adjunct therapies, especially suitable for patients with weak constitutions or in stable stages of the disease.

6. Lifestyle Interventions

Maintaining proper exercise, avoiding prolonged weight-bearing or intense activity, ensuring a balanced diet, and reducing high-fat and high-sugar intake can support medication efficacy and slow disease progression. For overweight individuals, weight loss significantly reduces joint burden and plays an important role in preventing and managing synovitis.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that although early synovitis symptoms are mild, if not treated promptly, joint damage will continue to worsen. Stem cell therapy offers a non-invasive treatment option for mid-to-late-stage patients. Combined with individualized multidisciplinary management, it can effectively control symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve long-term quality of life.