Injecting Synvisc into the region of the body (usually the knee) affected by osteoarthritis (OA) is named Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is essentially an elastic vicious chemical that is infused via injection into the afflicted body part to protect and lubricate the joints. This type of treatment is prescribed only to people who have already obtained more conservative treatment modes (such as painkillers, physical therapy, to name a few).

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 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

Several safety tests were conducted on Synvisc therapy before using it on humans. Clinical results show that synvisc is non-inflammatory, non-antigenic, and non-toxic. Today, synvisc has been given to millions of arthritis suffers.

In general, synvisc therapy has no known side effects. But, because synvisc is directly injected into the patient's joint, there are some cases where patients experience some discomfort, swelling, or pain in or around the knee. But note that this occurred only in very rare cases and the risks involved are only minimal.

Exercising or doing anything strenuous is is not allowed in the first 48 hours after being injected with synvisc. Heavy lifting, running, playing tennis, or any action that can put pressure on the knee is definitely not allowed.

Synvisc Therapy and its 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 experienced more traditional or conservative therapies for knee arthritis, and yet you continue to feel acute discomfort and/or excruciating knee pain, then synvisc may be a good idea for you. Weigh your options, visit your physician, and get expert advice regarding synvisc injections.