Synvisc injection into a region of the body (commonly the knee) affected by osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) is named Synvisc therapy. Synvisc is basically a vicious, elastic substance that is infused via injection into the distressed area of the body to lubricate and protect the joints. Synvisc therapy is given only to patients who already been given more conservative methods of treatment (like physical therapy, painkillers, and others.

Synvisc is not classified as a medicinal drug, but is rather a device. Synvisc is taken from hyaluronan, a natural substance found in all living tissues of the human body. It appears in especially high levels in the fluid that fills the knee joints as well as the joint tissue in general.

Hyaluronan, which functions as a potent lubricant and shock absorber, is crucial for the healthy mobility of the knees. Synvisc therapy is a powerful arthritis treatment as arthritic patients suffer from deficient hyaluronan levels in the body.

At present, the only synvisc therapy available is synvisc knee injections. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has only approved the injection of Synvisc in the knee and specifically for osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) cases. The FDA maintains that the safety and efficacy of Synvisc for other locations and for other conditions have not been established. So, in general, Synvisc therapy can be administered only on knee arthritis patients, not for shoulder arthritis or any other arthritis case.

Synvisc is basically injected in 3 different sessions, each at 1 week intervals. Clinical studies have shown that a total of three injections, each spaced one week apart, is the most effective route to pain relief. You are encouraged to obtain all of the injections to optimize the benefits of synvisc therapy.

Various safety tests were done on Synvisc therapy before using it on human subjects. Clinical results point out that synvisc is non-inflammatory, nonantigenic, and non-toxic. To date, synvisc has been used by millions of people afflicted with arthritis.

Generally speaking, synvisc doesn’t cause any side effects. However, since synvisc is directly injected into the patient’s joint, there are some rare cases where patients experience some discomfort, swelling, or pain in or around the knee. But note that this occurred very rarely and the risk of this happening is very little.

Exercising or doing any rigorous activity is is not allowed within the first 48 hours after getting a synvisc injection. Heavy lifting, playing tennis, running, or any exercise that can strain the knee is strictly not recommended.

Please note that synvisc therapy is in no way considered a cure for arthritis. Actually, up to now, there isn’t any cure for arthritis. However, synvisc is effective in controlling joint pain, and its pain relief effects can last for a minimum of 6 months. In addition, synvisc will work together with other drugs or other remedies, and you won’t need a prescription to get it.

If you have undergone more conservative modes of treatment for knee arthritis pain, and yet you continue to feel serious discomfort and severe knee pain, then a synvisc injection might be a good fit for you. Ponder your options, visit a physician, and seek expert advice regarding synvisc injections.