SYNOVITIS
inflammation of a synovial membrane
Synovitis is the inflammation of a synovial (joint-lining)
membrane, usually painful, particularly on motion, and characterized
by swelling, due to effusion (fluid collection) in a synovial sac.
Synovitis is a major problem in rheumatoid arthritis, in juvenile
arthritis, in lupus, and in psoriatic arthritis. It may also be
associated with rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, trauma, or gout.
Rheumatoid arthritis involves synovitis. In rheumatoid arthritis,
the synovial membrane lining the joint becomes inflamed. The cells
in the membrane divide and grow and inflammatory cells come into
the joint from other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Synovitis
Because of the mass of inflammatory cells in rheumatoid arthritis,
the joint appears swollen and feels puffy or boggy to the touch.
The increased blood flow that is a feature of the inflammation makes
the joint warm. The cells release enzymes into the joint space which
causes further pain and irritation. If the process continues for
years, the enzymes may gradually digest the cartilage and bone of
the joint leading to chronic pain and degenerative changes.
Homeopathic Medicines & Treatment for Synovitis, inflammation
of a synovial membrane
#Apis mellifica [Apis]
This remedy produces a perfect picture of synovitis, especially
of the knee joint; there are sharp lancinating, stinging pains shooting
through the joint and aggravation from the slightest motion. There
is effusion into the joint, a so-called white swelling, and the
pains are relieved by cold application. It corresponds especially
to scrofulous conditions.
#Iodine [Iod]
This remedy follows Apis well, especially in scrofulous children
with dropsy at the knee joint.
#Kali iodatum [Kali-i]
This remedy in indicated by a spongy swelling of the joint, a feeling
of heat inside the joint, and a gnawing boring pain, which is worse
at night and accompanied with restlessness.
#Bryonia [Bry]
Here the synovitic joint is pale red and tense, with sharp, stitching
pains, greatly aggravated by motion and relieved by the warmth of
the bed. It suits rheumatic or traumatic synovitis. It may be preceded
by Aconite, which will come in for the intense systemic fever, especially
if occurring in strong, healthy constitutions, or by Belladonna
when the pains are severe and sudden, attended with a hot, dry skin
and much redness and swelling.
#Ledum [Led]
Suits acute traumatic synovitis where there is an effusion into
the joint; the parts are sensitive, the pains are aching and tearing
with but little fever. It is especially adapted to sub-acute affections
of the knee joint.
#Causticum [Caust]
This remedy has prominent swelling of the joints, which show fluctuation
and indolency. There is stiffness of the joints and a tendency to
hydroarthrosis.
#Sulphur [Sulph]
Is especially useful in strumous patients when exudation has taken
place. It is particularly useful when the knee is affected, and
it comes in after Apis and Bryonia.
#Pulsatilla [Puls]
This remedy suits gouty, rheumatic or blenorrhagic synovitis; the
joints are swollen , with sharp, stinging pains, which force the
patient to move the part. There is a feeling of deep soreness, as
of sub-cutaneous ulceration.
#Mercurius [Merc]
This remedy suits syphilitic or strumous synovitis, with tendency
to complete destruction of the joint. The general symptoms will
indicate the remedy, such as aggravation at night, profuse sweating,
feeling of coldness and chilliness, restlessness, a threatening
suppuration and the characteristic cachexia.
#Calcarea carbonica [Calc]
This remedy will be needed in scrofulous children to correct the
cachexia in those who are characteristically Calcarea children. |