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Synvisc Injection

Manhattan Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, Astoria, & Brooklyn, NY

If you suffer from knee pain due to osteoarthritis, despite lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, viscosupplement injections, or “gel” injections, may provide the relief you seek. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Craig H. Dushey, MD, and Edmond Cleeman, MD provide these injections at Manhattan Orthopedics, with locations in Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Astoria in New York. To find out if you’re a good candidate for gel injections, call your nearest New York City office or book an appointment online today.

Synvisc Injection Q & A

What is viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation is a procedure that involves injecting a gel-like fluid into your knee joint. Dr. Dushey and Dr. Cleeman use high-quality hyaluron for viscosupplementation at Manhattan Orthopedics. 

Hyaluron is a naturally occurring substance that absorbs shock and lubricates your joints to ensure smooth motion. 

Your joints must contain high amounts of hyaluronan to function properly. 

What do gel injections treat?

Gel injections are a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, a chronic condition that causes pain, swelling, and restricted motion. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that lines the bones in your knee joint wears down, causing bones to grind together painfully. 

Although gel injections can’t cure osteoarthritis, they can relieve knee pain and improve mobility for up to six months. If you continue to suffer from knee pain from osteoarthritis after trying medication and lifestyle changes, Synvisc may be right for you. 

What should I expect from a gel injection?

Dr. Dushey and Dr. Cleeman carefully review your medical history and examine your knee to make sure you’re a good candidate for gel injections. They take time to explain your condition and answer any questions you may have.

Gel injections require three or four treatments spaced about one week apart. Each injection takes only a few minutes. Before the injections, Dr. Dushey and Dr. Cleeman may apply a numbing spray to your skin to minimize discomfort. 

After each gel injection, you should avoid strenuous activity for about 48 hours. Dr. Dushey and Dr. Cleeman let you know exactly how long to wait before resuming high-impact activities, such as running.   

When will I see results from a gel injection?

Patients rarely experience relief after their first injection; All three injections are necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. 

Every patient responds differently, but most feel the greatest relief about 8-12 weeks after their series of injections. The effects of viscosupplementation may last up to six months.

Because viscosupplementation isn’t a permanent cure, your osteoarthritis pain will eventually return. When this happens, talk to Dr. Dushey about your treatment options. He may recommend another round of injections, or another treatment, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. 

To learn more about gel injections, call Manhattan Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.

This website and content contained herein (including articles, blogs, images, text, graphics, videos, etc.) is not designed to, and does not, provide medical advice. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment but is for general informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition or treatment options. Never rely on information in this website in place of seeking medical advice and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you may have read. If you think you may have a medical emergency you should seek immediate medical treatment. The practice does not endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned in this website.

 

 


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