Transient synovitis

What is transient synovitis?

Transient synovitis is a common cause of joint pain in children due to temporary inflammation of the joint lining. It often occurs a few weeks after a viral infection and usually lasts up to one to two weeks. The hip is the most common joint affected.

Signs and symptoms

Children with transient synovitis may have:

• sudden pain or limp affecting one joint
• low-grade fever (<38.5°C)
• no history of injury
• had a viral infection one to two weeks prior

What causes transient synovitis?

The cause of transient synovitis is unknown, but since it often occurs one to two weeks after a viral infection, some experts believe that the inflammation in the affected joint is triggered by the immune system's response to a virus.

How common is transient synovitis?

Transient synovitis is quite common in children between the ages of 3 and 8. It is more common in males than in females.

How is transient synovitis diagnosed?

Physical examination of your child is most helpful in diagnosing transient synovitis. Your child's health-care provider may consider blood work and/or an ultrasound. These tests are useful in excluding other causes of joint pain, such as a bone infection or joint infection, especially if your child has a fever.

How is transient synovitis treated?

Transient synovitis will improve on its own over time with or without treatment. However, many children benefit from rest, pain control and anti-inflammatory medication. The most common medications used are ibuprofen and naproxen.

How can transient synovitis be prevented?

There are no special precautions that you need to take to prevent transient synovitis.

Helping your child

You can keep your child comfortable with pain medication. You may also need to help them with tasks if their joint pain is preventing them from walking. As your child’s joint inflammation improves, their symptoms will improve. They do not need to stop any specific activities.

When to see a health-care provider for transient synovitis

Take your child to see their health-care provider if:

• they develop joint pain or limp with or without fever
• they have been diagnosed with transient synovitis and the symptoms have not improved after two weeks