Thursday, January 22, 2009

Synvisc For Arthritis

By Amy Clark

Injecting Synvisc into an area of the body (frequently the knee) affected by osteoarthritis (OA) is known as Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is basically a vicious, elastic compound that is injected into the afflicted area of the body to lubricate and protect the joints. Synvisc treatment is given only to patients who have already received more conservative treatment (e.g. painkillers, physical therapy, and others.

Synvisc

Synvisc is not deemed a medicinal drug, but rather a device. It is derived from hyaluronan, a natural substance found in all living tissues of the human body. It exists in particularly high levels in the fluid that fills the knee joints as well as the joint tissue in general.

Hyaluronan, which acts as a powerful lubricant & shock absorber, is important for knee mobility. Synvisc injection is a potent arthritis treatment since arthritis patients suffer from reduced hyaluronan levels in the body.

Synvisc Knee Injections

Presently, the only synvisc therapy available is synvisc knee injections. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) only permits injecting Synvisc in the knee and specifically for osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) cases. The FDA maintains that this is because the safety and efficacy of Synvisc for other locations and for condition other than osteoarthritis have not been established. So, to emphasize, this type of treatment is offered only for knee arthritis cases, not for shoulder arthritis cases.

Synvisc is usually injected in 3 different sessions, each at least a week apart. Clinical studies have shown that getting 3 injections, each spaced one week apart, is the best route pain relief. You are advised to obtain all 3 injections to optimize the benefits of synvisc treatment.

Potential Side Effects of Synvisc

Various safety studies were done on Synvisc therapy prior to using it on humans. Research results show that synvisc is non-inflammatory, nonantigenic, and non-toxic. Today, synvisc has been administered on millions of arthritis patients.

Overall, synvisc therapy does not cause any side effects. However, since synvisc is injected directly into the patient's joint, there are rare instances where patients experience some discomfort, pain, or swelling in or around the knee. Nevertheless, this is extremely rare and the risks involved are minimal at best.

Physical exercise or any strenuous activity is strictly forbidden within the first 48 hours subsequent to the injection. Playing tennis, running, heavy lifting, or doing anything that might put pressure on the knee is definitely not recommended.

Benefits of Synvisc Injections

Note that synvisc treatment is not considered a cure for arthritis. Actually, to date, there is no known cure for arthritis. All things considered, synvisc is successful in alleviating joint pain, and its pain relief effects can last for at least half a year. Furthermore, Moreover, synvisc therapy will work in conjunction with other medications or other types of treatment, and you won't need a prescription to use it.

If you have experienced more traditional or conservative therapies for knee arthritis pain, and yet you continue to feel extreme discomfort and severe pain in your knee, then a synvisc injection may be a good option for you. Ponder your options, consult a doctor, and read everything you can about synvisc injections. - 15343

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