Knee osteoarthritis (OA) progressively worsens and affects millions globally. Fortunately, Hyalgan’s clinical study reveals its significant role in managing knee OA symptoms. The injection treatment notably reduced pain caused by knee OA, underscoring Hyalgan’s value in delivering symptomatic relief to patients suffering from this degenerative disease.
Replacement surgeries are often necessary for severe knee osteoarthritis. However, milder cases can choose non-surgical treatments like Hyalgan’s hyaluronic acid injection. This treatment follows a three- or five-shot therapy regimen that enhances joint mobility and alleviates pain. The practical benefits of Hyalgan become evident as patients can resume daily activities such as walking or jogging.
In this article, we will explore Hyalgan knee injections, patient and medical professionals’ insights about the treatment, management of side effects, and tips to optimize the therapy.
Key Takeaways
- When injected into the affected joint, Hyalgan knee injection delivers sodium hyaluronate as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints.
- A study by Cohen et al. (2008) suggests that Hyalgan’s hyaluronic acid injection offers a safe and effective non-surgical option for knee and ankle osteoarthritis pain.
- Hyalgan knee injection’s clinical trials demonstrated long-lasting pain relief for up to six (6) months.
- Medical professionals should inject 20 mg of a single syringe into one knee and use a separate syringe for the other.
- Patients must know that their medical professionals can help them address side effects and adverse reactions and prevent them from worsening.
Introduction to Hyalgan Injections
Hyalgan is a form of viscosupplementation that utilizes direct administration of hyaluronic acid injections into the joint affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA). Hyalgan injections contain sodium hyaluronate, a substance naturally found in joints.
When injected into the affected joint, Hyalgan knee injection delivers sodium hyaluronate as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. Hyalgan restores the natural gel, aiding in reducing pain and improving joint function movement.
According to Hyalgan’s prescribing information, medical professionals should administer these knee injections to individuals who have failed to respond to simple analgesics and other first-line therapies. Moreover, patients with mild to moderate knee OA can effectively experience the outcomes.
Furthermore, healthcare providers should complete the Hyalgan knee injection therapy to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. Hyalgan offers three-injection or five-injection therapy, depending on healthcare providers’ recommendations.
Real-World Experiences and Case Studies
For more than 25 years, Hyalgan has helped millions of individuals worldwide manage their knee osteoarthritis pain and symptoms. Among 74 reviews on WebMD, Hyalgan injections for the knee received an overall 3.4 out of 5-star rating.
The injection therapy garnered mixed reception from various individuals, but many gave the treatment five stars. A male individual aged 65-74 shared his impressive experience with Hyalgan, sharing how the injection allowed him to continue walking and jogging almost every morning.
Moreover, a male patient aged 35-44 also shared his Hyalgan experience in treating their knee OA. The three-injection therapy of Hyalgan gave him a year of pain relief. A 55-64 female patient also mentioned how her first round of three injections offered a year of relief for their knee osteoarthritis patients.
A randomized controlled trial by Cohen et al. (2008) suggests that Hyalgan’s hyaluronic acid injection offers a safe and effective non-surgical option for knee and ankle osteoarthritis pain. Furthermore, Huang et al. (2011) said that Hyalgan can provide sustained pain relief and improve patients’ quality of life.
Efficacy and Safety of Hyalgan Injections
Hyalgan knee injections have shown their efficacy in minimizing pain and enhancing joint function in patients with knee OA. The product’s clinical trials demonstrated long-lasting pain relief for up to six (6) months. Hyalgan repeat treatment allowed the duration of pain reduction for up to 30 months.
Hyalgan also conducted a six-month clinical trial comparing it to saline and 500 mg bid naproxen. The study revealed that Hyalgan’s five-injection therapy provides half a year of pain relief, similar to 364 doses of naproxen.
Hyalgan’s safety profile is generally safe and favorable. However, like other treatments, side effects may occur after treatment. Moreover, it also showcased lower recorded adverse events, such as joint pain and swelling.
Compared to other hyaluronic acid injections for knee OA, Hyalgan may have the most required injections. While their mechanism of action is noticeably similar, their formulations may differ. Additionally, these brands offer different numbers of required shots, as single and multiple injections arise as options.
Injection Techniques and Dosing Considerations
Before proceeding with Hyalgan knee injection therapy, individuals should seek a licensed and experienced healthcare provider. They should administer this intra-articular injection directly into the knee joint, and their expertise can ensure a safe and effective treatment.
Medical professionals know the best injection technique for the treatment, and in Hyalgan’s case, they must follow a strict aseptic technique. They should inject 20 mg of a single syringe into one knee and use a separate syringe for the other.
After treatment, they may recommend resting the knee or applying ice briefly to prevent pain and swelling. The recommended dosing guidelines for knee OA is 2 mL per knee, usually given weekly for three to five weeks.
Patients and their doctors can discuss their treatment plan for their knee OA, including repeated injections. In a 30-month study, Hyalgan proved its safety and effectiveness for repeat treatment. Medical professionals may recommend repeat treatment as needed, which could be twice or thrice a year.
Management of Adverse Reactions
Like other treatments, adverse events may occur after a Hyalgan knee injection. Patients must know that their medical professionals can help them address side effects and adverse reactions and prevent them from worsening. Providers may recommend ice application for easy-to-manage side effects like pain at the injections or swelling.
However, when these persist to severe pain or swelling, patients should contact their healthcare providers promptly. It’s also necessary to contact the providers when worrisome symptoms occur. Hyalgan’s clinical study also revealed common adverse effects on Hyalgan-treated individuals and placebo groups.
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Headache
- Local ecchymosis and rash
- Local joint pain and swelling
- Local pruritus
Patients should remember their doctor’s post-treatment instructions to avoid further complications. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours after the injection therapy. They should ask their providers when they can pursue their active lifestyle to manage adverse reactions.
Hyalgan’s manufacturer has not tested the treatment’s safety and efficacy for pregnant women, lactating women, and children younger than 21 years old. This knee injection therapy also has a few contraindications, as follows:
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations
- Patients with present infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site
Recommendations for Optimizing Treatment Outcomes
Patients can enhance the effectiveness of Hyalgan while following their doctor’s recommendations. They can also optimize the treatment outcomes by doing the following:
- Avoid Strenuous or Prolonged Weight-Bearing Activities within 48 Hours
- Combine a Low-Impact Home Exercise Program
It’s worth noting that individuals should consult with their medical professionals to ensure an optimized Hyalgan therapy. Patients should adhere to the prescribed regimen of injections. While some may experience pain relief after three injections, it’s essential to continue with a prescribed five-injection therapy.
Hyalgan can use combination therapies for knee OA with medical professionals’ guidance. Physical therapy and weight loss programs can significantly help sustain the pain and symptomatic relief of knee OA.
Long-term management of knee osteoarthritis involves repeated therapy cycles. Five injections at weekly intervals can provide most patients with long-lasting relief for up to six (6) months. Hyalgan is reportedly safe for repeated treatments; discussing it with your trusted doctors can help maintain them.
Conclusion
Hyalgan injections have shown efficacy in treating knee osteoarthritis pain and symptoms in the orthopedic field. Patients have shared their positive experiences with the injection treatment, and medical researchers conducted case studies that proved its safety and effectiveness. Strict adherence to injection technique and dosing considerations can achieve optimal outcomes, while patients and providers can manage adverse events.
Medical professionals can offer tips and recommendations for optimizing Hyalgan treatment outcomes. Completing the required Hyalgan shots can significantly help maximize Hyalgan benefits, while combination therapies can also help sustain the effects longer. Hyalgan injections offer patients a non-surgical solution that is a safe and effective option for symptomatic relief, improved joint movement, and enhanced quality of life.
References
- Clinical Studies – Hyalgan for Healthcare Professionals. (n.d.). Hyalgan (Sodium Hyaluronate). Retrieved April 8, 2024, from https://hcp.hyalgan.com/hcp/clinical-studies/
- Safety – Hyalgan for Healthcare Professionals. (n.d.). Hyalgan (Sodium Hyaluronate). Retrieved April 8, 2024, from https://hcp.hyalgan.com/hcp/safety/
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