Hmmm- Synovitis is an inflammation of the joint capsule - the synovium that surrounds the bone at the joint & provides lubrication to make joints move smoothly.

Blood tests can determine if you have markers for rheumatoid arthritis, but not synovitis. The C reactive protein results show you have some inflammatory process going on, but I don't think they can determine exactly what. X-rays are not usually able to capture synovitis on small joints, but sometimes work on knees. You say the original ortho did an MRI - what was the diagnostic result? I ask because the steroids are the correct initial treatment for suspect synovitis, but also for other inflammatory conditions.

Please understand that it is not at all uncommon to experience systemic inflammation that never gets an exact diagnosis, no matter how many doctors try & no matter how many tests are run. At that point, doctors are left to treat the symptoms, using their best medical knowledge, consultation with colleagues, and research. I dare say many in this group and the chronic pain group will tell you the same.

So then what? As the pain becomes chronic, we need to figure out how to live with it. The symptoms are treated with the best tools the doctors have. Sometimes, as counterintuitive as it seems, physical therapy and exercise are recommended. Also helpful can be NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen), massage therapy, ice, heat, acupuncture, and maybe referral to a pain management clinic where alternatives are taught.

I hope the VA will be able to provide more answers for you. Their possible next steps may include either MRI or ultrasound imaging.

Sue