How to treat knee synovitis

Knee synovitis can be treated with rest, medication, physical therapy, and surgery when necessary. The appropriate treatment should be selected based on the severity of the condition and individual differences. It is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner when obvious swelling, pain, or limited mobility occurs to obtain professional diagnosis and treatment.

1. Keep your knee joint at rest

The primary treatment for knee synovitis is to reduce the burden on the affected joint, reduce the amount of activity, and avoid repeated wear and tear or irritation of the synovium. You can wear a knee brace or use crutches to reduce joint pressure and relieve pain and swelling.

2. Drug treatment

Drug intervention can effectively control the symptoms of synovitis. If the synovitis is mild, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can be used to relieve inflammation and pain. If the symptoms are severe, local injection of glucocorticoids such as triamcinolone acetonide and prednisolone acetate may be required under the guidance of a doctor to quickly control synovial inflammation. Some patients have frequent relapses and may need to use synovial protection drugs such as sodium hyaluronate injection to improve joint lubricity and cushioning properties.

3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation training

Physical therapy includes hot compress, ultrasound, laser therapy, etc., which can promote local blood circulation and relieve swelling and stiffness. After the condition is initially controlled, appropriate functional training can be performed under professional guidance, such as static squats and straight leg raises, to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, stabilize the joint, and prevent the recurrence of synovitis.

4. Surgical treatment

If conservative treatment is ineffective or if the affected area repeatedly accumulates fluid or the synovium thickens severely, surgical treatment should be considered. For example, arthroscopic cleaning can be used to remove hyperplastic synovial tissue or repair damaged cartilage; synovectomy is suitable for patients with recurrent synovitis.

Treatment of knee synovitis requires a combination of active lifestyle habits, such as avoiding long periods of sitting or standing and carefully controlling weight to reduce joint stress. If inflammation persists or worsens, seek professional medical help as soon as possible to avoid permanent joint damage. Regular follow-up and continued rehabilitation training are essential to restore normal joint function.