Synvisc Therapy - Benefits and Side Effects

The process of injecting Synvisc into the part of the body (i.e. the knee) affected by osteoarthritis is known as Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is basically a vicious, elastic substance that is injected into the affected area to lubricate and protect the patient's joints. This type of therapy is recommended only to patients who already went through more conservative treatment (e.g. physical therapy, painkillers, etc.).

What is Synvisc?

Synvisc is not considered a medical drug, and is essentially a device. It is derived from hyaluronan, a natural chemical found in all living tissues in the human body. It appears in particularly high doses in the fluid that occupies knee joints as well as the general joint tissue.

Hyaluronan, which serves as a powerful shock absorber and lubricant, is necessary for the healthy mobility of the knees. Synvisc therapy is effective in treating arthritis because arthritic patients have a decreased level of hyaluronan in the body.

Synvisc Knee Injections

Currently, the only form of synvisc therapy available is synvisc knee injections. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has only approved the use of Synvisc in the knee and specifically for osteoarthritis cases. According to the FDA, this is because the efficacy and safety of Synvisc for other locations and for other conditions have yet to be established. So, in general, this type of treatment is offered only for knee arthritis patients, not for shoulder arthritis cases.

Synvisc is basically injected in 3 sessions, each at 1 week intervals. Studies have revealed that the total of 3 injections, each a week apart, is most effective in pain relief. Patients are recommended to take all 3 injections to maximize the benefits of this treatment method.

Synvisc Side Effects

A number of safety tests were conducted on Synvisc therapy prior to using it on humans during clinical trials. Results of the studies indicate that synvisc is noninflamatory, nonantigenic, and non-toxic. To date, it has been administered on millions of arthritis patients.

In general, synvisc therapy has no known side effects. However, since synvisc is injected directly into the patient's joint, there are some rare cases where patients experience some discomfort, swelling, or pain in or around the knee. Nonetheless, this occurred only in very rare cases and the risk of this happening to you is very little.

Exercise or any strenuous activity is also prohibited in the first 48 hours following the injection. Running, heavy lifting, playing tennis, or any exercise that might stress the knee is strictly not advised.

Benefits of Synvisc

Bear in mind that synvisc therapy is not considered a cure for arthritis. In fact, to date, there is no known cure for arthritis. However, synvisc is successful in alleviating joint pain, and its positive effects can last for at least half a year. Further, synvisc will work in conjunction with other medications or other forms of treatment, and you won't need a doctor's prescription to use it.

If you have tried more traditional or conservative modes of treatment for your knee arthritis, and yet you continue to experience serious discomfort or severe pain in your knee, then synvisc therapy may be a good idea for you. Weigh your options, consult your doctor, and seek expert advice regarding synvisc injections.