Synovitis

Synovitis

Synovitis refers to the inflammation of the membrane lining joints. Joints become warm, red and swollen and are painful when moved. Synovial fluid which is found in bursae and joint cavities collects in a synovial sac. Analysis of the synovial fluid can determine presence of arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Synovitis is generally severe in rheumatoid arthritis.

Conventional treatments for synovitis is NSAIDs or corticosteroids. However these drugs come with various side effects and are unsafe for long term use.

Synovitis herbal remedies

What is Synovitis?

The synovial membrane is a lining of connective tissue that occurs in the cavities of joints, tendon sheaths and bursae. Our knees, hips, wrists, shoulders and ankle joints have synovial membrane. This membrane also generates synovial fluid and together they help in lubricating joints. When the synovial membrane gets inflamed the condition is known as synovitis. When the membrane also known as synovium is inflamed, it produces excess fluid which collects in a sac and causes the joint to swell.

Who can get affected by synovitis?

Transient synovitis also known as toxic synovitis generally affects children between 3-10 years old. Sudden hip pain can result causing limping or difficulty walking. However this generally clears up with a short time with rest and anti-inflammatory medications. If it takes longer then it could be a more serious condition known as septic arthritis where fluid will have to be drained and intravenous anti-biotics given.

People with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, lupus and gout also tend to have synovitis.

What are the symptoms of Synovitis?

  • Joints will be swollen and puffy
  • Joints will feel warm
  • Joints will be painful when moved
  • If synovitis is present for many years it can lead to chronic pain and bone and cartilage degeneration

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

What causes synovitis?

Synovitis can be caused by injury or trauma to the joint and it can also be caused by diseases such as Rheumatoid disease, juvenile arthritis, lupus, gout, psoriatic arthritis, tuberculosis, Jacobs arthropathy-camptodactyly syndrome, SAPHO syndrome, Pigmented villonodular synovitis, Haemophilia type A and Systemic sclerosis.

Herbal Remedies for Synovitis Symptoms

What are some natural remedies to treat synovitis?

Synovitis is generally treated with NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Both of these types of medications can have serious side effects when used over a period of time.

Herbs such as Boswellia and Ashwagandha and Turmeric are well known herbs that help to soothe joints. Formulations like Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gelfrom Himalaya Herbals are herbal ayurvedic formulations with several herbs and minerals that help to relieve symptoms of synovitis. They contain herbs such as boswellia, licorice, guggul, five-leaved chaste tree among others that are potent and beneficial for joints without side effects.