Are periostitis and synovitis the same?

Jun 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My legs often hurt, and I'm worried it might be caused by periostitis. Is periostitis the same as synovitis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
Periostitis and synovitis are not the same; they are two distinct conditions, differentiated as follows: 1. **Location of Onset**: Periostitis occurs in the periosteal tissue, which is the membrane covering the surface of bones; synovitis occurs in the synovial tissue, primarily found in the inner walls of joint cavities. 2. **Causes**: The causes of periostitis mainly include chronic strain, sports injuries, and bacterial infections; the causes of synovitis primarily involve surgical trauma, microbial infections, metabolic disorders, and prolonged weight-bearing. 3. **Symptoms**: Symptoms of periostitis mainly include swelling of the bone tissue, localized pain, and impaired mobility; symptoms of synovitis mainly involve redness, swelling, pain, and restricted movement in the affected joint. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment.