What are the symptoms of elbow synovitis?

The main symptoms of elbow synovitis include joint pain, limited mobility and swelling. If the symptoms are obvious or last for a long time, you should seek diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor in time. The causes of the symptoms may involve synovial inflammation, effusion formation or damage to the joint structure. In daily life, the symptoms can be improved by rest, cold compresses, medication and other methods.

1. Joint pain

The most common symptom of elbow synovitis is pain, which is especially noticeable when the elbow is moving. Inflammation of the synovium can increase the sensitivity of the surrounding tissues, and pain may be felt even when the patient is at rest. It is recommended to limit strenuous activities during the acute phase, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can be used for a short period of time to relieve inflammation and pain.

2. Limited activity

Due to the swelling caused by inflammation, the thickening of the synovium may cause joint stiffness, which may affect the flexion and extension function of the elbow. If the range of motion is limited and accompanied by pain, forced activity should be avoided. Under the guidance of a doctor, physical therapy such as ultrasound, joint loosening, and specific stretching exercises can be tried to help relieve stiffness.

3. Joint swelling

Synovitis may cause effusion in the elbow joint, causing swelling or obvious local tenderness. Some patients can even feel the effusion in the joint fluctuate. Cold compresses can be used to relieve initial swelling. It is recommended to apply cold compresses 2 to 3 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. If the swelling is severe or there is fatigue caused by effusion, you need to go to the hospital to check whether joint fluid extraction is needed.

4 Associated symptoms

Chronic synovitis may be accompanied by fibrosis of the synovial tissue, and the elbow may become persistently swollen, stiff, or even deformed. If it is not treated for a long time, it may damage the articular cartilage and further develop into osteoarthritis. At this time, arthroscopy may be required, and synovectomy or joint replacement may be selected according to the cause.

Symptoms of elbow synovitis may vary in severity, and early treatment can effectively prevent worsening of symptoms. In daily life, pay attention to keeping the joints warm and avoid repeated weight bearing or maintaining a single posture for a long time. If symptoms continue to worsen or are accompanied by other abnormal manifestations, you should seek medical attention in time for detailed examination and evaluation to find the best treatment.