Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Synvisc Therapy For Arthritis

By Amy Clark

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..

More About Synvisc

Synvisc is not deemed a medical drug, but rather a device. Synvisc is a derivative of hyaluronan, a natural substance found in the living tissues in the human body. It exists in especially large dosages in the fluid of knee joints and 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.

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 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

A number of safety studies were done on Synvisc injections before using it on humans. Research results show that synvisc is non-inflammatory, nonantigenic, and non-toxic. To this day, synvisc has been administered on millions of people afflicted 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 strenuous activity is strictly forbidden in the first forty eight hours after the synvisc injection. Heavy lifting, running, playing tennis, or any exercise that might put stress on the knee is strictly not advised.

Synvisc Therapy and its Benefits

Keep in mind that synvisc treatment is in no way a cure for arthritis. In fact, up to now, there is no cure for this condition. That being said, synvisc is successful in managing joint pain, and its pain relief effects can last for at least six months. Additionally, synvisc therapy will work in conjunction with other medications or other forms of treatment, and you won't need a a physician's 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.

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