Thursday, January 29, 2009

Synvisc Therapy For Arthritis

By Amy Clark

Injecting Synvisc into the area of the body (often the knee) affected by osteoarthritis (OA) is named Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is basically an elastic vicious chemical that is infused via injection into the distressed part to lubricate and protect the joints. This type of treatment is given only to patients who already tried more conservative forms of treatment (e.g. physical therapy, painkillers, among 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 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 different sessions, each at one week intervals. Clinical researches have revealed that the total of 3 injections, each one week apart, is the best approach pain relief. Patients are recommended to complete all three injections to optimize the benefits of this treatment method.

Synvisc and Potential Side Effects

Several safety studies were done on Synvisc prior to using it on humans. Study results indicate that synvisc is noninflammatory, non-antigenic, and non-toxic. Today, it has been administered on millions of arthritis patients.

Generally speaking, synvisc therapy doesn't have any side effects. But, because synvisc is directly administered into the joint, there are some instances where patients felt some pain, swelling, or discomfort in or around the knee. But note that this is very rare 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.

Benefits of Synvisc Injections

Keep in mind that synvisc injections are not a definite cure for arthritis. As a matter of fact, up to now, there is no cure for this condition. That being said, synvisc therapy is effective in relieving joint pain, and its pain relief effects can last for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally, synvisc therapy will work together with other medicinal drugs or other types of treatment, and you don't require a prescription to get it.

If you have undergone more traditional or conservative treatments for knee arthritis pain, and yet you continue to feel serious discomfort and agonizing pain in your knee, then synvisc may be a good option for you. Weigh your options, visit a doctor, and seek expert advice regarding synvisc injections. - 15995

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