Where are the tender points for synovitis of the knee joint?
Disease description:
I have recently experienced swelling, pain, and limited mobility in my knee joint. My doctor mentioned it might be knee synovitis. I would like to know where the tender points are located in knee synovitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Patellar synovitis is a common joint disorder, primarily characterized by an inflammatory reaction in the synovial tissue within the knee joint. The synovium is a thin, smooth layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the joint cavity and secretes synovial fluid to reduce friction between bones during joint movement. When the knee joint is affected by injury, overuse, infection, or other stimulating factors, the synovium can become inflamed, leading to joint swelling, pain, and restricted function.
Pressure-sensitive points in the knee joint are mainly distributed in the following areas:
1. Patellar border: Tenderness along the edge of the patella may be caused by inflammation of the infrapatellar fat pad or patellar tendinitis, although these symptoms also may be associated with synovitis.
2. Medial and lateral sides of the patella: Tenderness in the bursa areas on either side of the patella may indicate the presence of bursitis and synovitis.
3. Joint space: Both the medial and lateral joint spaces of the knee joint, especially the medial space, are common tender points. Tenderness here may indicate cartilage damage or synovial inflammation.
4. Meniscus area: The meniscus is located between the femur and tibia. When this area is injured or inflamed, it can also cause tenderness within the knee joint.
5. Posterior tendons: Tendons at the back of the knee joint, such as the hamstring tendons, also can become tender points when involved, causing pain.
6. Muscles around the knee joint: Long-standing knee problems may cause surrounding muscles to remain tense or in spasm, thereby forming additional tender points and further aggravating discomfort in the knee joint.
