Can knee synovitis heal on its own?
Disease description:
The knee feels uncomfortable, and after going to the hospital for an examination, it was found to be knee bursitis. Can this heal on its own?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
The self-healing ability of knee synovitis mainly depends on its cause and the severity of the condition.
1. Mild knee synovitis: With adequate rest, avoidance of excessive activity, and appropriate use of ice and heat application, self-healing may occur. This is because the human body possesses a certain capacity for repair, and mild inflammatory responses may be alleviated through the body's own immune regulatory mechanisms. However, this self-healing requires that patients promptly adopt appropriate rest and protective measures to prevent further worsening of the condition.
2. Moderate to severe knee synovitis: In such cases, healing through rest and lifestyle adjustments alone is unlikely to achieve effective treatment. It is necessary to employ medication, physical therapy, or intra-articular injections to control inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and promote recovery, depending on the specific condition. If conservative treatments prove ineffective, surgical intervention may be considered to remove diseased synovial tissue or repair damaged structures.
Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged weight-bearing activities and strenuous exercise can help reduce stress on the knee joint and lower the risk of synovitis recurrence.
