These are injections into the knee administered by a healthcare specialist, such as a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon.
They work by supplementing the hyaluronic acid that naturally lubricates the joint.
Corticosteroid injectionshave also been used to treat osteoarthritis.
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In some cases,total knee replacementbecomes necessary.
However, hyaluronic viscosupplements have been shown to delay the necessity of total knee replacement surgery.
In osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid decreases, thus causing pain, inflammation, and problems with movement.
With hyaluronic acid injections like Euflexxa and Synvisc, hyaluronic acid is injected into the affected joint.
These treatments work by providing extra lubrication and cushioning within the knee joints.
There is some debate over the effectiveness of these injections.
What Is Euflexxa?
Euflexxais a hyaluronic acid injection used to treat the pain brought on by osteoarthritis of the knee.
Each Euflexxa treatment consists of three injections given a week apart.
To achieve maximum relief, be sure to get all three injections.
Each Euflexxa injection contains 2 milliliters (ml) of the medication.
What Is Synvisc?
Synvisc is another hyaluronic acid injection used to treat the pain of knee osteoarthritis.
There are two versions of SynviscSynvisc and Synvisc One.
Synvisc One requires only one injection.Synvisc requires three.
After your injections, you may start to feel relief right away.
However, you oughta have all three injections to experience the most benefit.
Most people will find that they feel the best eight to 12 weeks after their first injection.
With Synvisc One, most people feel relief after a month.
Both treatments can provide pain relief from arthritis for up to six months.
Both Euflexxa and Synvisc consist of a three-injection treatment course.
However, Synvisc One only requires one injection.
Both treatments are made from sodium hyaluronate and purified, but they use different methods.
Euflexxa contains a substance extracted from bacteria cells.
Synvisc One uses a substance that comes from chicken combs.
Both Euflexxa and Synvisc are effective at treating the pain and decreased mobility that accompany knee osteoarthritis.
Sometimes cost can be the deciding factor.
In that case, treatment with Synvisc One may be your best option.
Synvisc also had similar properties, but a different structure.
Side Effects and Warnings
Like all medications, Euflexxa and Synvisc carry the possibility of side effects.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you fall into these categories, as these treatments may not be recommended.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Most side effects from Euflexxa and Synvisc will lessen over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Euflexxa is made from a substance extracted from bacteria cells.
Synvisc, another hyaluronic viscosupplement, is made using chicken combs.
Like most treatments, it carries risks of side effects or allergic reactions.
The injection may be uncomfortable and there may be some temporary pain.
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