Synvisc For Arthritis

Synvisc injection into a region of the body (often the knee) affected by osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) is termed Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is essentially a vicious, elastic substance that is infused via injection into the affected part to protect and lubricate the joints. Synvisc injection is given only to individuals who have already tried more conservative treatment (such as physical therapy, painkillers, etc..

Synvisc

Synvisc is not regarded as a medicinal drug, but is rather a device. Synvisc is derived from hyaluronan, a natural chemical found in all living tissues of your body. It exists in especially high levels in the fluid of knee joints as well as the general joint tissue.

Hyaluronan, which functions as a strong shock absorber & lubricant, is important for healthy knee movement. Synvisc therapy is successful as an arthritis remedy because arthritic patients have deficient hyaluronan in the body.

Synvisc Knee Injections

Presently, the only type of Synvisc therapy available is synvisc knee injections. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only permits administering Synvisc in the knee and only for osteoarthritis (OA) cases. The FDA asserts that this is because the safety and efficacy of Synvisc for other areas of the body and for other conditions have yet to be proven. So, to reiterate, Synvisc therapy is applicable only for patients with knee arthritis, not for shoulder arthritis or any other arthritis case.

Synvisc injections are administered in 3 distinct sessions, each at least a week apart. Medical studies have established that a total of 3 injections, each spaced one week apart, is the best approach pain relief. You are recommended to obtain all of the injections to reap the full potential of synvisc therapy.

Synvisc and Potential Side Effects

Various safety tests were performed on Synvisc before using it clinically on humans. Research results point out that synvisc is non-inflammatory, non-antigenic, and non-toxic. To this day, synvisc has been given to millions of people with arthritis.

Generally speaking, synvisc therapy doesn't have any side effects. On the other hand, because synvisc is injected directly into the joint, there are isolated cases where patients experienced some swelling, discomfort, or pain in or around the knee. But note that this is very rare and the risks involved are only minimal.

Exercising or doing any rigorous activity is also forbidden within the first forty eight hours after getting a synvisc injection. Running, heavy lifting, playing tennis, or any activity that may put stress on the knee is definitely not advised.

Synvisc Benefits

Keep in mind that synvisc injections are by no means a definite cure for arthritis. Actually, to date, there is no known cure for arthritis. That being said, synvisc therapy is effective in relieving joint pain, and its pain relief effects can last for a minimum of half a year. In addition, this therapy will work in combination with other medications or other modes of treatment, and you don't require a prescription to get it.

If you have undergone more traditional or conservative therapies for knee arthritis, and yet you continue to feel extreme discomfort and excruciating pain in your knee, then synvisc might be the perfect fit for you. Ponder your options, visit your physician, and read all information available synvisc treatment.

By Amy Clark