Synovitis

Synovitis is not a molecule or receptor but rather an inflammatory condition affecting the synovial membrane—the connective tissue lining the inside of joint capsules in synovial joints such as the knee, hip, shoulder, and others. The inflamed synovium produces excess fluid leading to swelling, pain, tenderness, and sometimes nodules. Synovitis can result from injury, overuse, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, infection, or degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. It plays a central role in many forms of arthritis and can lead to chronic joint damage if untreated. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation supported by imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI. Treatment targets symptom relief and underlying causes using NSAIDs for inflammation control or corticosteroid injections for more severe cases.

Other names

Synovial inflammationInflammation of the synovial membraneJoint lining inflammation

Anti-inflammatory action via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis (NSAIDs)\nImmunosuppression and reduction of inflammatory cytokines (corticosteroids, DMARDs)