Synvisc Injections

Hyaluronic acid or Synvisc 1 is a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). It is a clear gel that is delivered by a small injection into the joint.

It is made from a natural substance that lubricates the joint and may provide up to 6 months of osteoarthritis knee pain relief with one injection. Although doctors and researchers are yet to find a cure for osteoarthritis, they have discovered a number of treatments and pain management programs to lessen the pain, improve mobility and make your life easier.

Treatment with Synvisc (Hylan G-F 20) offers a safe and effective option for pain associated with OA of the knee. More than simply relieving pain, Synvisc temporarily replaces and supplements the deteriorated synovial fluid in your knee joint with a naturally derived lubricant closely resembling the fluid in healthy young knees.

If you are considering further treatment for pain associated with OA of the knee, this information is designed to tell you more about Synvisc and how it works.

Who is a candidate for Synvisc-One?
Patients with knee osteoarthritis, who have tried diet, exercise and over-the-counter pain medication but still have pain, should talk to their doctor to see if Synvisc-One is right for them.

How Synvisc-One is administered?
Synvisc-One is a single injection. It’s a simple, in-office procedure that only takes a few minutes.

What you can expect following a Synvisc-One knee injection?
Synvisc-One can provide up to six months of osteoarthritis knee pain relief. Everyone responds differently, but in a medical study* patients experienced relief starting one month after the injection. After the injection, you can resume normal day-to-day activities, but you should avoid any strenuous activities for about 48 hours.

What are the side effects of Synvisc-One?
Most people tolerate Synvisc-One without too many problems. Occasionally, some people may have a synovitic reaction, causing pain and swelling in their knee for a few days. This can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication. It is important to alert your doctor if you have this reaction as blood tests and knee fluid may need to be tested.
If you are allergic to products from birds- such as eggs, poultry and feathers please tell your doctor as you may not be suitable for this treatment

When can I resume my normal activities?
It is recommended that you rest your knee for a minimum of 24 hours after each injection. You should have somebody drive you home after each injection and then rest, with your leg elevated occasionally, for the remainder of the day. It is important that you do not undertake any strenuous activities (i.e. sports) for 48 hours after your injection.

Will I feel better straight away?
Some patients find they enjoy relief from their symptoms straight after the first injection, but the full benefits are usually felt 8 to 12 weeks after the treatment course is completed with efficacy lasting up to 12 months. You can also take an active role in your Synvisc treatment with a special Synvisc Track Your Changes Kit, designed to help you get the most out of your treatment. The Kit has information on what to expect from Synvisc treatment and a chart to track your treatment for discussion with your doctor.