Inflamed Ankle (Synovitis Ankle)

Synovitis ankle is a condition in which the soft tissue lining of the ankle joint, called the synovial tissue, becomes inflamed. An inflamed ankle causes pain and swelling. It can be the result of injury or overuse. Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) and osteoarthritis can also cause synovitis. Ankle arthroscopy can be used to surgically remove inflamed tissue that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment.

Related treatments

Ankle arthroscopy for an inflamed ankle

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a camera and small instruments to view and work within the joint through small incisions. The surgery often consists of scraping away the damaged cartilage and drilling small holes in the bone to promote healing. Bone grafting and cartilage transplant procedures can also be performed. Studies examining patient outcomes after ankle arthroscopy have shown that the majority of patients have good or excellent results.

Video

Meet Dr. Stuart Miller, Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Stuart Miller, MD, is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon, fellowship trained in foot and ankle reconstruction at MedStar Health. Dr. Miller has over 20 years of experience with complex ankle and calcaneal fractures. He enjoys ankle arthroscopy and treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.
Facebook Live: Foot and Ankle Discomfort

With 28 bones in each foot, it means a lot of opportunities for pain and discomfort. We sat down with MedStar Health foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Walter Hembree, to learn more about common foot and ankle conditions and how to treat them.
Facebook Live: Complex Foot and Ankle Surgery

Watch the replay where we discussed complex foot and ankle conditions and when surgery may be necessary and when to see a foot and ankle specialist - with Drs. Walter Hembree and Kathryn O’Connor, orthopedic surgeons. To schedule an appointment, call 877-34-ORTHO