What is Reactive Synovitis: Causes & Symptoms

You may find yourself leaving your doctor’s office from time to time with a mouthful. So what, for example, exactly is reactive synovitis?

If you have been diagnosed with it, some clarification will no doubt be welcome. In simplest terms, synovitis takes place when the synovium of a joint is swollen or inflamed.

In many cases, it most acutely impacts your ankles and feet. It is often known to take place in athletes or professionals whose daily routine may include repetitive stress movements – think lifting or squatting.

So how do you know you have it?

Some common symptoms, which may come and go depending on your case:

• Stiffness and pain
• An inability to bear weight
• Limping
• Fever

What exactly is to blame? Some causes to be on the lookout for are generally overusing a given joint. It can also stem from cases of inflammatory arthritis, which is a similar condition that impacts many joints throughout the body at the same time. 

You will want to proactively address this problem because inflammation of joints can cause pain and stiffness that will worsen with age. 

In order to prevent this from happening, you will want to address the knee issue or other root factor; for example, you might avoid recurring cases by avoiding a sudden increase in activities requiring repetitive motions – think cycling or using a stair-climbing machine as some examples.

Need further advice on how to avoid conditions like reactive synovitis? Consult Dr. John Andrachuk, a leading Orthopedic Sports Medicine surgeon serving the greater Atlanta region.