Knee Pain Treatment
April, 2021
Could a SynVisc injection help your knee feel better?
by Fremont Orthopedics Staff
SynVisc Injections for Chronic Knee Pain
Orthopaedic specialists at Fremont Orthopaedics offer SynVisc injections for patients with chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Knee pain from osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage loss, depletion of the joint (synovial) fluid, and the formation of bone spurs, which cause bone surfaces to rub against each other.
SynVisc (Hylan GF-20) belongs to a class of medications known as “viscosupplements.” SynVisc is a gel-like fluid made from a natural substance known as hyaluronan. The SynVisc fluid is similar to the normal, healthy joint fluid known as synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is the fluid that cushions and lubricates joints. SynVisc supplements your knee fluid to lubricate and improve the knee joint’s natural shock absorbing abilities. This is intended to provide patients with decreased knee pain and stiffness, along with increased knee mobility.
Decreased Pain and Improved Mobility
Patients typically receive a series of 3 SynVisc injections that are scheduled 2 weeks apart. The provider uses a sterile needle and syringe to administer the SynVisc into the “intra-articular space,” which is the space between the bone surfaces that comprise the knee joint.
Generally, patients report that they start to experience pain relief and mobility improvements within one week to one month following SynVisc injections. The symptom relief should last 3-6 months, and sometimes as long as 12 months. It is important to note that SynVisc does not cure the underlying osteoarthritis, but can allow patients to maintain their lifestyle or increase their activity level with decreased pain and improved mobility.
To schedule an evaluation for an arthritic or painful knee joint, call Fremont Orthopaedics at (307) 332-9720. Our providers will be happy to discuss SynVisc and other arthritis treatment options.