Drug Free Relief of Osteoarthritis Knee Pain


 

Synvisc® may be the treatment option you've been looking for:

If you, or someone you know, suffers from the pain of arthritis of the knee (osteoarthritis), it most likely has caused both pain and limited movement. It is estimated that almost 14 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it. Fortunately, there are treatment options that can help those with osteoarthritis lead more normal lives. Chances are you already know about some of those options. There is a breakthrough treatment you might not have heard about: Synvisc®.

 

How does a knee with osteoarthritis differ from a healthy knee?

In a normal. healthy knee there is fluid. This fluid acts as both a cushion and a lubricant. In a knee with Osteoarthritis, however, this fluid may have lost these features. This can be one of the reasons you or someone you know feels pain in the knee.

 

What is Synvisc®? How does it work?

Synvisc therapy is like lubrication for your knee. Synvisc also acts like a kind of "shock absorber" to cushion the knee joint. It can reduce pain in your knee. As a result you may be able to return to a more comfortable, active lifestyle.

 

Synvisc is not a drug. It is made from a substance that is found in normal joint fluid.

 

 

How do I get Synvisc®?

Synvisc is only available from a doctor who knows about giving these injections. If your doctor is not a Synvisc provider, then he or she can refer you to one that is.

 

How is Synvisc given®?

Your doctor should give you three injections of Synvisc®, one week apart over a 15-day period.

 

How long do the benefits of Synvisc® last?

Pain relief can last for months. Many patients experience some relief after the first injection. The most pain relief and the greatest amount of treatment success occurred 8 to 12 weeks after Synvisc treatment began.

 

Do I have to go back to the doctor for the second and third injections?

Yes. Synvisc® is less lively to work without all three injections.

Is Synvisc a cure for osteoarthritis of the knee?

No. It is a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. It is not a cure. Successful treatment will reduce pain in the knee. With less pain you should have a higher level of activity.

 

 

What are the benefits of treatment with Synvisc?

Successful treatment with Synvis should reduce or stop pain in your knee. Less pain should help you move better. Successful treatment any allow you to once again enjoy many of the things you liked to do before your condition got in the way.

 

 

 

Are there side Effects?

Because it is injected directly into the joint, you may feel some discomfort after treatment. Some pain and swelling may also occur in and around the knee. Both normally go away within a short period. If you should continue to feel discomfort or if you notice any other problems, please call your doctor.

 

 

Can I take medication while on Synvisc® Therapy?

Yes. Since it is given right into the knee joint, it should not interfere with any medicine you take. This includes pain relievers. You should, however, always tell your doctor about any medicine you take.

 

Should I reduce physical activity while taking Synvisc®?

You may have to limit physical activity for a short period of time after you receive an injection. Your doctor may give you advice on this. He or she can tell you when you can introduce more activity.

 

How do I know if Synvisc is right for me?

Synvisc may be the right treatment for a wide range of people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. Discuss Synvisc and other treatments with your doctor or health care professional. At that time you and your doctor can decide if Sunvisc is right for you.