By Loren Colon, DPM, FACFAS

In recent news, Lady Gaga has canceled three of her upcoming concerts on her tour due to chronic pain which has made it difficult to walk. According to reports, Lady Gaga is suffering from a condition called synovitis that is progressively getting worse, making her unable to perform in concert.  Currently, there is no information of how she suffered the injury but Lady Gaga has recently posted on Twitter that this situation has been going on for some time now.

Synovitis is a common injury that can typically be seen in the foot and ankle due to inflammation of tissues surrounding the joints.  Ligaments help support and hold joints together, with an outer covering known as the joint capsule.  They synovial membrane is the inner layer of the joint capsule that produces an oily fluid that lubricates the joint.  When inflammation in the joint capsule occurs, this is termed synovitis or capsulitis.

This can be seen in people with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, gout but can be also be associated with trauma or excess/overuse in activity.  When suspected, classic signs present as; redness, swelling, increase temperature to the area, irritation and pain with motion at the joint.

If you have suspicion or question whether you can be suffering from this condition, a full examination can be evaluated by a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon.  To help diagnose and differentiate synovitis from other conditions, your podiatrist will do a full lab work up that will include a synovial fluid joint analysis and examination of your foot/ankle radiographically.  Treatment for this synovitis include; rest, immobilization, icing, oral anti-inflammatories, and steroid injections. Surgery may be indicated in longstanding cases.

If you are suffering from these type of symptoms contact your Atlanta area Podiatrist at American Foot and Leg Specialist. We will get you back on your feet in no time.