Synovitis Symptoms

Synovitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial tissue of the joint, which may be caused by trauma, infection, or autoimmune factors. It widely affects people of all ages, especially middle-aged and elderly manual laborers, athletes, and rheumatic patients. Long-term repetitive joint use or unhealed injuries are common triggers.

This disease is frequently reported in Western countries such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, a certain proportion of patients is also seen, often related to heavy labor, farming, and insufficient medical awareness. If not treated in time, synovitis may lead to restricted joint movement, chronic pain, and even irreversible damage.

Detailed Description of Synovitis Symptoms

1. Obvious Joint Swelling

Congestion and edema of synovial tissue lead to excessive synovial fluid secretion, raising intra-articular pressure and resulting in localized swelling. Weight-bearing joints such as the knee and ankle are especially affected, and patients may feel tightness when wearing pants or squatting.

2. Recurrent Pain and Discomfort

Inflammatory irritation can cause persistent pain, which worsens with activity and may ease after rest. Particularly in the morning or after prolonged sitting, joints may experience sharp pain upon first movement, known as "start-up pain."

3. Restricted Movement and Increased Stiffness

During the progression of synovitis, joint effusion and accumulation of inflammatory substances can cause synovial adhesion and increased sliding resistance, leading to reduced range of motion and difficulty in flexion and extension, especially morning stiffness.

4. Fluctuant Sensation of Joint Effusion

If effusion is significant, the affected joint may feel fluctuant to touch, commonly referred to as a "watery swelling." Doctors often assess effusion volume using the patellar tap test, frequently seen in knee synovitis patients.

5. Local Warmth and Redness

In the acute phase, synovitis may be accompanied by an increase in local skin temperature, which feels warm to touch, with mild redness on the surface, indicating active inflammation. Infectious synovitis should be considered in such cases.

6. Fatigue and Tiredness

Chronic synovitis, due to prolonged immune system activation, often presents with systemic fatigue, drowsiness, and other non-specific symptoms, sometimes affecting appetite and sleep.

7. Worsened Night Pain Affecting Sleep

In some patients, joint effusion accumulates at night, compressing nerves and worsening pain, making it difficult to turn in bed and affecting normal rest, which further aggravates daytime fatigue and low mood.

8. Alternating or Symmetrical Joint Involvement

In rheumatic synovitis, symmetrical joint involvement is common, such as swelling and pain in both knees or ankles, either alternately or simultaneously. Such symptoms suggest systemic disease and should not be misdiagnosed.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that synovitis symptoms vary greatly, are not easily detected in the early stages, but can cause significant long-term harm. If persistent joint swelling, pain, or functional impairment occurs, medical attention should be sought promptly. With the aid of modern approaches such as stem cell therapy, inflammation can be effectively reduced, tissue repair promoted, and joint function improved.