DefinitionAnkle synovitis is inflammation of the
synovium (synovial membrane). More often than not ankle synovitis is brought about by an injury to the ankle joint or surrounding tissues, such as a fracture or infection etc.
Parts involved- synovial membrane of the ankle joint
- space between the ankle joint and the synovial membrane
Signs & Symptoms- heat and pain in the ankle area
- swelling and inflammation deep within the ankle joint, which may or may not be visible
- possible loss of function depending if pain is elicited upon movement
Causes- injury to the ankle or ankle joint
- infections, viral or bacterial
- attack of gout or rheumatoid arthritis
Risks- previous ankle injury or repeated ankle injury
- weak muscles of the ankle and lower leg
- muscle imbalance resulting in inproper movement of the ankle joint resulting in irritation of the synovial membrane
- history of Gout or Rheumatoid arthritis or another illness that causes excessive inflammation in the ankel joint
Prevention- proper support of the ankle joint such as tapping if there is a history on ankle injury or if the ankle is weak
- make sure to not return to activity too soon after an injury to the ankle or foot
- strength the muscles of the lower leg and foot
- maintain proper and full range of motion of the ankle joint
- maintain proper overall health through activity and proper nutrition
ankle synovitis is another one of those injuries that you can kind of forget about after you take one aspirin, but it is also an injury that can progress into a cronic injury if the signs & symptoms are ignored and activity continued. If you have this ankle synovitis you should seek medical advise and adhere to that advise until properly healed. It is all too easy to take an aspirin and not feel any pain and continue to inflamme the synovium more until permanent damage has been done.