
Are periostitis and synovitis the same condition?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing pain in my joints recently, accompanied by swelling. It might be caused by synovitis. Are periostitis and synovitis the same condition?

Periostitis and synovitis are not the same condition. Although both are inflammatory diseases of the joints and skeletal system, there are clear differences between them:
1. **Location of onset**: Periostitis occurs in the periosteal tissue, while synovitis occurs in the synovial tissue.
2. **Causes**: Periostitis is mainly caused by chronic strain, sports injuries, or pathogenic bacterial infections; synovitis is triggered by factors such as surgical trauma, bacterial infection, metabolic disorders, and prolonged weight-bearing.
3. **Symptoms**: Symptoms of periostitis primarily include swelling of the bone tissue, localized pain, and impaired mobility; synovitis presents with redness and swelling of the affected joint, pain, and restricted movement.
4. **Treatment**: Treatment for periostitis mainly involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and broad-spectrum antibiotics; treatment options for synovitis are more varied, including analgesic medication and arthroscopic surgical treatment.