According to Synvisc’s clinical trial, injection therapy provided significant and sustained relief from knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain compared to corticosteroids. This study underscores Synvisc’s potential as a superior treatment option for knee OA pain.
While Synvisc has proven its effectiveness as a non-surgical knee osteoarthritis (OA) solution, individuals often compare it to corticosteroids. Synvisc and corticosteroids have effectively managed knee OA symptoms but differ in various aspects. Fortunately, medical providers can guide individuals in selecting the knee OA treatment that best aligns with their unique condition.
In this article, we will delve into Synvisc knee injections, the difference between Synvisc and corticosteroids, and how this viscosupplementation works.
Key Takeaways
- Corticosteroids and Synvisc differ in several factors, which medical professionals and patients should consider when determining the best treatment choice.
- Patients must receive a complete cycle of three Synvisc injections to ensure optimal outcomes, which are given at weekly intervals.
- Patients need to seek their trusted healthcare providers to understand the treatment and allow these professionals to align Synvisc to their needs, goals, knee OA condition, and overall health.
- Accurate information from healthcare providers can significantly impact patient care and satisfaction.
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Distinguishing Synvisc from Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are steroid types that mimic cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the body’s adrenal glands. They can effectively address inflammation caused by osteoarthritis (OA) in the knees by reducing the production of specific pro-inflammatory properties. Medical professionals may also prescribe corticosteroids for other health conditions, such as allergies, asthma, etc.
This solution treatment can manage OA and is often administered directly into the affected joint to ease inflammation and pain quickly. Corticosteroids can help fight inflammation, easing the OA symptoms such as heat, redness, swelling, and pain in the injured or inflamed joint.
So, is Synvisc a steroid? It’s worth noting that this treatment is not a steroid due to Synvisc’s ingredients comprising the injection. This viscosupplement backs on hyaluronic acid (HA) potency, supplementing the lost HA in the joint’s synovial fluid and restoring its viscoelastic properties.
Interestingly, corticosteroids and Synvisc differ in several factors, which medical professionals and patients should consider when determining the best treatment choice.
- Mechanisms of Action: Synvisc mimics the natural HA in the synovial fluid, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. Meanwhile, corticosteroids focus on inflammation reduction, relieving pain and swelling.
- Duration of Effects: Synvisc and Synvisc One dosages have a similar expected duration of six (6) months. This could be longer, depending on the severity of the condition. A research article concluded that intra-articular corticosteroids may last up to three (3) months or more.
The Role of Synvisc as a Viscosupplement in Osteoarthritis Management
Viscosupplementation involves a direct intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the affected knee joint. This HA injection therapy helps lubricate and cushion the joint, reducing movement friction. So, what is Synvisc? This solution is a type of viscosupplement that efficiently manages knee osteoarthritis (OA).
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Synvisc, also known as hylan G-F 20, as a non-surgical solution for knee OA. So far, it only has a specific indication for the knees. Patients must receive a complete cycle of three Synvisc injections to ensure optimal outcomes, which are given at weekly intervals.
According to the Synvisc prescribing information, medical professionals must utilize these injections when patients have failed to respond to conservative therapies or simple analgesics adequately. It requires direct administration into the affected knee joint using an aseptic injection technique.
Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of Synvisc in knee OA patients. It showed long-lasting knee OA pain relief of six months compared with randomized, controlled groups.
Synvisc also exhibited rapid and significant knee OA pain relief as early as week 1 and up to week 26. This study also highlights Synvisc’s safety, as the results revealed no observance of severe adverse events. According to Verywell health, repeated Synvisc injections are safer than corticosteroids in patients with comorbidities.
Addressing Misconceptions and Providing Accurate Information
Misconceptions about Synvisc and corticosteroids can lead to confusion and ineffective treatment strategies. Some individuals may believe that Synvisc and corticosteroids are similar, while these injections are distinct therapies with different mechanisms of action.
Both can effectively address knee osteoarthritis (OA) concerns; however, it varies depending on patient factors. Patients need to seek their trusted healthcare providers to understand the treatment and allow these professionals to align Synvisc to their needs, goals, knee OA condition, and overall health.
Patient education is crucial for effective treatment. Medical professionals must inform patients that they usually give Synvisc after other arthritis medications have failed to treat OA successfully. Moreover, counseling patients on the differences between Synvisc and corticosteroids is essential.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, thus relieving pain and swelling. On the other hand, Synvisc works by restoring the viscoelastic properties of the synovial fluid, reducing pain caused by knee OA. Discussing these differences with patients is vital to help them make informed healthcare decisions about their treatment.
Accurate information from healthcare providers can significantly impact patient care and satisfaction. This includes explaining treatments’ benefits and potential side effects, addressing misconceptions, providing post-injection care, and effectively managing osteoarthritis. Ensuring patients have comprehensive information allows them to make informed decisions about their treatment, improving their quality of life.
Conclusion
Synvisc and corticosteroids have addressed knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms with their difference in mechanisms of action and formulation. While Synvisc is a viscosupplement, corticosteroid is a type of steroid. Synvisc has also proven its longer duration of effects for six months, while corticosteroids for around three months.
Synvisc is crucial in managing knee OA, providing joint lubrication and cushioning with its hyaluronic acid injections. Medical professionals can address misconceptions about this non-surgical solution to provide satisfactory patient care. Providing accurate information allows patients to make informed healthcare decisions for their treatment.
FAQs
1. Is Synvisc a steroid?
No, Synvisc is not a steroid. It is a viscosupplement that contains hyaluronic acid (HA) and helps lubricate and cushion the joint.
2. What is the difference between Synvisc and corticosteroids?
Synvisc and corticosteroids differ in several factors, including their mechanisms of action and duration of effects. Synvisc acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints, while corticosteroids focus on inflammation reduction, relieving pain and swelling.
3. How long does Synvisc last?
Synvisc and Synvisc One dosage have a similar expected duration of six (6) months, which could be longer depending on the severity of the condition.
4. Can Synvisc injections cure knee OA?
Unfortunately, knee OA has no cure yet. However, Synvisc injections can help relieve the pain and stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis. They work by supplementing the lost hyaluronic acid in the joint’s synovial fluid and restoring its viscoelastic properties, which helps lubricate and cushion the joint.
References
- SYNVISC® (Hylan G‐F 20) and Synvisc‐One® (Hylan G‐F 20) Clinical Efficacy | For HCPs. (n.d.). Www.synvisconehcp.com. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.synvisconehcp.com/clinical-efficacy
- SYNVISC ® HYLAN G-F 20. (n.d.). In Sanofi US. https://products.sanofi.us/synvisc/synvisc.pdf
