Chavda et al. (2022) demonstrated that intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections can relieve pain and improve joint function for up to six months. Although not typically the first-line treatment, these injections have been shown to offer temporary relief for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a lifelong, incurable condition. While some individuals with this joint disease may choose surgical procedures, others seek long-lasting and non-surgical alternatives. With its single-injection hyaluronic acid therapy, Durolane provides symptomatic relief and enhances the quality of life for these OA patients.
This article will explore osteoarthritis, Durolane, and traditional treatment options and factors to consider when choosing the right solution.
Key Takeaways
- Knee osteoarthritis frequently occurs in individuals aged 55 years and older, limiting their ability to continue their daily physical activities due to joint stiffness and pain in the affected area.
- Orthopedic practice offers surgical and non-surgical treatments for the management of pain and other symptoms, but OA remains an incurable condition.
- While these conventional therapies offer effectiveness, they have potential risks of complications or side effects that may affect other body parts.
- Durolane restores the viscosity and elasticity of the synovial fluid, allowing better movement and relieving pain.
- A thorough consultation and conversation with your trusted provider can help OA patients by adding broader knowledge about this joint disease and the possible treatments to manage its symptoms.
Introduction to Osteoarthritis and Treatment Challenges
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint system that causes pain and worsens over time. It happens when joint cartilage and underlying bone break down. OA is one of the most common lifelong conditions affecting millions worldwide.
OA frequently occurs in individuals aged 55 years and older. It lessens the ability of individuals to continue their daily physical activities due to stiffness in joints and worsening pain in the affected area. OA significantly impacts their quality of life, limiting individuals’ movements due to the symptoms.
- Warmth
- Redness
- Bruising
- Puffiness
- Injection Site Pain
- Joint Swelling
- Joint Pain
- Joint Stiffness
Individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis may face struggles in their mental well-being due to the stress or anxiety that this joint disease brings. This leads them to seek practical solutions for pain relief and improved joint mobility. Orthopedic practice offers surgical and non-surgical treatments, but OA remains an incurable condition.
These treatments can help individuals manage the pain and other symptoms of OA. However, it remains a challenge for professionals and patients alike to manage this joint disease due to the limitations of the current therapies.
- Non-Pharmacological Approaches: These treatments may be medical professionals’ first line of treatment recommendations for OA patients. This includes exercise, weight loss, etc. Frequently, this option may not be effective for the growing chronic nature of OA.
- Pharmacological Options: If patients fail to respond to simple analgesics or exercises, experts may recommend drugs or minimally invasive injections for managing the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hyaluronic acid injections may help manage mild to moderate knee OA.
- Surgery Procedure: Medical professionals may recommend joint replacement surgery as the last treatment option in advanced OA cases.
Traditional Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
These traditional treatment options may effectively work in rapidly relieving pain and inflammation in the affected joint. While these conventional therapies offer effectiveness, they have potential risks of complications or side effects that may affect other body parts.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): This medication is commonly used to manage OA symptoms, like swelling or pain in the joint. However, long-term use may lead to side effects or other health concerns.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that medical professionals can inject into the joint to quickly relieve pain and inflammation. Repeated injections may cause joint tissue damage over time.
- Physical Therapy: This noninvasive treatment option involves exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint and improve flexibility. It requires commitment and effort from the patient.
- Joint Replacement Surgery: In this invasive option, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one to enhance the individual’s quality of life. However, this major surgery comes with potential complications and an extended downtime.
Mechanism of Action of Durolane
For individuals seeking a minimally invasive and cost-effective treatment for knee OA symptoms, medical professionals may recommend Durolane injections. Is Durolane a one time injection? The Durolane manufacturer made the injection effective even only with a single injection. However, experts may suggest individuals return for subsequent injections to maintain the treatment effects.
So, what is Durolane made of? This injection contains a highly concentrated hyaluronic acid (HA), uniquely stabilized to deliver potent and optimal outcomes. When injected into the affected joint, it restores the natural lubrication and cushioning to provide long-lasting relief from OA symptoms.
- Restoring Lubrication and Cushioning: Durolane is a clear, viscous gel containing the HA that is part of the synovial fluid in the joints. This fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. Durolane restores the viscosity and elasticity of the synovial fluid, allowing better movement and relieving pain.
- Long-lasting Relief: Durolane can provide symptomatic relief for individuals with mild to moderate knee OA symptoms. So, how long does Durolane last? This may be a temporary solution, but it can last up to six (6) months. The outcome may still vary from one individual to another.
Efficacy and Safety of Durolane vs. Traditional Treatments
While information about comparing the efficacy and safety of Durolane versus traditional treatment is not readily available online, it’s best to check the benefits of the two OA solutions.
According to Leighton et al. (2018), Durolane injections with this NASHA technology offer an effective and safe single-injection therapy for knee OA. The injection sustained symptomatic relief with a low incidence of treatment-related adverse reactions. This study emphasizes Durolane’s benefits for managing OA.
A narrative review from Wang et al. (2022) revealed that physical therapy is a nonpharmacological treatment recommended for OA due to its accessibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Personalized therapy can optimize the treatment’s effectiveness and patient compliance.
Further studies about the effectiveness of these treatments may be published in the future. However, Durolane and traditional therapies have shown their advantages in treating OA symptoms. Individuals should consult their trusted doctors to determine which treatment is proper.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Durolane and Traditional Treatments
Individuals should consider several factors when choosing between Durolane and traditional treatment options. A thorough consultation and conversation with your trusted provider can help OA patients by adding broader knowledge about this joint disease and the possible treatments to manage its symptoms.
- Treatment Goals and Patient Preferences: Treatment choice depends on the patient’s goals and the product’s ability and benefits. Patients who prefer minimally invasive procedures may opt for Durolane injections. Medical professionals must align the patient’s pain relief and improved mobility goals to the tailored treatment plan for the patient’s Durolane injections.
- Disease Severity and Potential Side Effects: The severity of osteoarthritis and individuals’ overall health influence treatment choice. Medical experts can help patients decide which therapy best suits their current condition. Durolane’s HA-based treatment is generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals but may cause short-term, mild to moderate side effects.
Patients and healthcare professionals need to discuss the available treatment options. Factors such as benefits, benefits, disadvantages, risks, and costs may aid OA patients in making informed decisions for their healthcare. Moreover, clear communication will bridge the patient’s concerns to the treatment’s maximum benefits and optimal outcomes.
Addressing Misconceptions and Concerns About Hyaluronic Acid Injections
When researching an unfamiliar treatment, patients may have multiple questions about it. Patients are encouraged to direct these concerns and queries to their trusted doctors, who can provide comprehensive information. Here are several pieces of information about Durolane that patients should know.
- Is Durolane cost-effective? Durolane offers a hyaluronic acid injection treatment that medical professionals directly administer to the affected joint. MD Save says this injection treatment may cost $372 or higher. Its long-lasting outcomes potentially reduce the need for frequent therapies.
- How long does Durolane last? This HA injection for OA symptoms typically lasts six months. The treatment duration may extend longer for patients experiencing mild OA conditions than for patients with moderate symptoms.
- How long for Durolane to work? Durolane-treated patients may notice positive changes in their joint area as early as two days. Furthermore, these patients can feel the maximum benefits and optimal outcomes two weeks after the injection session.
While Durolane may be deemed safe for most individuals, patients should remember that some conditions may not permit the use of Durolane. A medical professional’s advice is vital to avoid adverse reactions or complications. Individuals should not have Durolane if:
- Patients who have infections or skin diseases at the injection site
- Patients who have hypersensitivity or allergy to hyaluronic acid solutions
- Durolane has not been tested in pregnant or lactating women or children (21 years and below)
Conclusion and Recommendations
Knee osteoarthritis is a complex condition that requires a personalized treatment plan to effectively address without compromising the patient’s overall health. These plans should consider the patient’s unique circumstances, such as symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment preferences. Durolane and traditional treatments offer their benefits and limitations.
A medical professional’s expertise may help individuals choose the appropriate treatment for their OA condition. Enhancing the quality of life and improving joint function and mobility should be the primary goal of any OA treatment plan. This includes managing pain and other symptoms while allowing patients to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
About: Medica Depot is your trusted all-in-one supplier, offering a range of high-quality medical injectables and supplies. We offer a worry-free experience in searching for the best and most popular products on the market, like Durolane. Whether for health professionals, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, licensed estheticians, or other specialists, we can offer genuine, brand-name products you may need. With Medica Depot, we prioritize serving you better to improve the patient’s quality of life.
References
- Chavda, S., Rabbani, S. A., & Wadhwa, T. (2022). Role and Effectiveness of Intra-articular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24503
- DUROLANE Brochure. (n.d.). Bioventus OA Knee Pain Relief. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://durolane.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SMK-002261c-DUROLANE-Patient-Brochure.pdf
