FAQs on Knee Injections in Phoenix AZ

Osteoarthritis of the knee involves the cartilage, ligaments, bone, and joint lining. This disease usually affects people age 40 and older, and there is currently no cure. Knee injections are used to treat the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

How common is knee osteoarthritis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, knee osteoarthritis affects 14% of adults aged 25 years and older, as well as around 33% of persons 65 years of age and older—an estimated 27 million Americans.

What are the different types of knee injections?

Steroid Injections

Hyaluronic Acid

Stem Cell Therapy

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a synthetic joint lubricant used to treat knee arthritis. Hyaluronan is a natural gel-like substance that is similar to normal joint fluid. Synvisc is the most popular joint lubricate on the market, but there are many others similar to it.

What are the types of hyaluronic acid?

Also called viscosupplementation, there are many versions of hyaluronic acid. These include:

Synvisc

Orthovisc – High-molecular weight hyaluronan

Euflexxa – 1% sodium hyaluronate

Hyalgan – Sodium hyaluronate

Supartz – Sodium hyaluronate

Hylan G-F20

Nuflexxa – 1% sodium hyaluronate

What conditions are treated with hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is used to treat arthritis. The bones of the knee joint are lined with a special layer of cartilage, which serves as a shock-absorber for the joint and prevents friction. Arthritis can cause the cartilage to fray and thin, and there may be a loss of synovial fluid content and viscosity. Because of these joint changes, the knee bones rub together and are painful.

How does hyaluronic acid injections work?

Synvisc injections improve cushioning and lubrication of the knee joint. In addition, these treatments allow cartilage and bones to move more smoothly, which prevents stiffness and pain. Hyaluronic acid can reduce inflammation, which contributes to cartilage degeneration. The overall effect of this procedure is to improve mobility, aid in functionality, and eliminate pain.

How is hyaluronic acid administered?

Synvisc is given in a once-weekly injection for three weeks. After six months, another course of injections can be given. With Synvisc-One, only one injection is given instead of a series of three.

Does hyaluronan work?

Several clinical studies show that pain relief with Synvisc last for up to six months. A recent research study found that hyaluronic acid injections had a 75% success rate for treating osteoarthritis.

What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?

There are no serious side effects related to Synvisc or other hyaluronic acid products. However, a few patients report short-term increase in inflammation of the knee, which only occurs in 2-3% of cases and only last 2-4 days. In addition, most products are made from processed rooster combs, and are not to be used in people who have poultry or egg allergies. Other side effects include redness at the injection site, joint swelling, and mild pain.

What risks are associated with a Synvisc injection?

As with any minimally invasive procedure, there are a few risks to consider. These include:

Bleeding

Infection

Joint damage

Skin discoloration

Soreness

Who is a candidate for knee injections?

Hyaluronic acid is approved for knee osteoarthritis pain and associated symptoms. Anyone who has this type of arthritis is a candidate. The pain specialist makes the decision to inject the knee based on previous treatment failure, current health condition, and knee damage.