The synovial membrane secretes a clear fluid called synovial fluid that lubricates joint surfaces and supplies nutrients to the cartilage. Sometimes this capsule becomes inflamed and a painful condition called synovitis occurs.
Synovitis is associated with certain diseases that increase the infection inflammation.
They include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus, an inflammatory disease that can be chronic and affect several parts of the body and also the joints
- Gout, when uric acid crystals form in the joints of the body, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain
Symptoms
- Arms and shoulder joints swollen can be symptom of synovitis.
- The shoulder may be painful both at rest and with movement.
Causes
Synovitis can also occur by injury to the shoulder joints. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
Treatment
If synovitis is suspected, your physician may withdraw a sample of your synovial fluid from the shoulder joint for a laboratory to test for infection or the crystals that indicate gout. Treatment depends on the cause of the synovitis.
Non-surgical
It is likely to include anti-inflammatory drugs, oral steroids, or cortisone steroid injections.
Surgical
In some cases, your physician may recommend surgical removal of the inflamed synovium. If appropriate, the surgery may be arthroscopic or the minimally invasive surgery