In studies, treatment with Synvisc has been shown to provide superior pain relief, compared with injection of salt water (a "placebo" injection). This benefit has been shown to last as long as six months.
General considerations for those using this medication include the following:
- This product comes in the form of a gel-like liquid that is injected directly into the knee joint. Your healthcare provider will administer the injections.
- Your knee will be cleansed, and a local anesthetic will usually be injected with a small needle to help prevent pain. A larger needle will then be inserted directly into the knee joint. Your healthcare provider will "drain" fluid from the joint before switching syringes and injecting Synvisc.
- The draining of the joint and the injection of Synvisc are done with the same needle, so you will need to be "stuck" with a needle only twice (once for the anesthetic and once for the draining and the Synvisc injection).
- The entire procedure is brief and is done in your healthcare provider's office.
- You can resume most of your usual activities, although your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding strenuous activity for a day or two after the injection.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this product, although you can choose to have both knees treated (if necessary) at the same time.
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