Synvisc Injections For Arthritis - written by Amy Clark

Injecting Synvisc into an area of the body (usually the knee) affected by osteoarthritis (OA) is called Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is fundamentally an elastic vicious chemical that is introduced via injection into the afflicted part of the body to protect and lubricate the joints. Synvisc treatment is given only to individuals who already received more conservative treatment (like painkillers, physical therapy, and others.

What is Synvisc?

Synvisc is not considered a medical drug, but is considered a device. Synvisc is derived from hyaluronan, a natural component abundant in the living tissues of your body. It is found in especially large quantities in the fluid that occupies knee joints as well as the joint tissue as a whole.

Hyaluronan, which acts as a potent shock absorber and lubricant, is important for healthy knee movement. Synvisc injections are effective in arthritis treatment as arthritis patients suffer from deficient hyaluronan quantities in the body.

Synvisc Therapy Through Knee Injections

To date, the only form of synvisc therapy available is synvisc knee injections. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S.A. only permits using Synvisc in the knee and specifically for osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) cases. The FDA asserts that the efficacy and safety of Synvisc for other parts of the body and for condition apart from osteoarthritis have not been proven. So, to reiterate, this type of treatment can be administered only on knee arthritis patients, not for shoulder arthritis or any other arthritis case.

Synvisc is injected in three sessions, each at least one week apart. Studies have established that the total of three injections, each spaced 1 week apart, is most effective in pain relief. Patients are recommended to complete all three injections to reap the full potential of synvisc.

Synvisc and Potential Side Effects

Several safety trials were conducted on Synvisc therapy before using it clinically on human subjects. Study results show that synvisc is non-inflammatory, non-antigenic, and non-toxic. To this day, it has been used by millions of arthritis patients.

Overall, synvisc doesn't cause any side effects. On the other hand, since synvisc is directly injected into the patient's joint, there are isolated cases where patients felt some discomfort, pain, or swelling in or around the knee. But note that this occurred very rarely and the risk of this happening is very little.

Exercising or doing anything strenuous is strictly prohibited in the first 48 hours following getting a synvisc injection. Running, playing tennis, heavy lifting, or any activity that might put stress on the knee is strictly not advised.

Benefits of Synvisc

Please note that synvisc treatment is not a cure for arthritis. In reality, to date, there is no known arthritis cure. That being said, synvisc therapy is successful in alleviating joint pain, and its positive effects can last for a minimum of half a year. In addition, synvisc will work when combined with other medications or other treatment modes, and you won't need a prescription to use it.

If you have experienced more traditional or conservative modes of treatment for your knee arthritis, and yet you continue to experience acute discomfort or agonizing knee pain, then a synvisc injection can be a good fit for you. Ponder your options, visit a doctor, and get expert advice regarding synvisc injections.