Hymovis vs Hyalgan – Which Is Better for Joints?

Last Updated On: October 21, 2024

A study found that 25% of people over the age of 55 experience persistent knee pain within a year, and around 10% suffer from painful, disabling osteoarthritis. Among those affected, a quarter face severe disability, highlighting the significant impact of knee osteoarthritis on daily life.

Hymovis and Hyalgan are two leading viscosupplements designed to relieve joint pain by injecting hyaluronic acid into the affected joint. While both treatments share the same goal, they differ in composition, application, and duration of effect. Understanding these differences is crucial in selecting the most effective option for joint health.

In this article, we’ll compare Hymovis vs Hyalgan, exploring their efficacy, application methods, and potential side effects to help you determine which treatment may be better suited for managing joint pain.

Key Takeaways

• Hymovis and Hyalgan are both effective viscosupplements for managing knee osteoarthritis pain, offering non-surgical options for joint pain relief.
• Hymovis provides extended pain relief with just two injections, making it a convenient option for patients seeking fewer treatments.
• Hyalgan is a well-established treatment with a proven safety record, typically requiring three to five injections for effective relief.
• While neither treatment repairs damaged cartilage, both improve joint lubrication and reduce pain, helping patients regain mobility.
• The choice between Hymovis and Hyalgan depends on factors such as treatment duration, frequency of injections, and patient-specific needs like activity level and convenience.

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Understanding Osteoarthritis and Treatment Options

Osteoarthritis gradually wears down joints, leading to pain and stiffness, particularly in the knees. Early treatment is crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing further deterioration. Patients often begin with lifestyle modifications, such as diet changes and exercise. If these initial measures are ineffective, healthcare providers may consider various injection therapies. 

While these treatments can alleviate pain, they do not repair damaged cartilage. Doctors must understand the available options to select appropriate interventions before osteoarthritis progresses. This ensures better management of symptoms and an improved quality of life for patients.

Early intervention plays a significant role in managing this condition effectively. Doctors may then consider viscosupplementation treatments, such as Hymovis or Hyalgan, to help alleviate pain and improve joint function.

Hymovis

Hymovis is a specialized injection designed to provide relief for osteoarthritis by improving joint lubrication. Its unique formulation, derived from hyaluronan, helps create a smoother environment within the joint, reducing pain and discomfort during movement.

Administered as a thick gel, Hymovis acts like a lubricant, coating the knee joint to minimize friction and wear. This protective layer allows patients to move more comfortably and efficiently. For many, a Hymovis injection significantly enhances joint comfort and mobility, offering long-lasting relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Clinical Effectiveness and Studies About Hymovis

Studies on Hymovis have shown significant long-term benefits in treating knee osteoarthritis, improving pain and physical function over 52 weeks. In pivotal trials, patients reported a 34% reduction in pain scores at six months, and real-world studies showed a 57% reduction in resting pain scores.

Hymovis has proven effective not only in controlled clinical environments but also in real-world practice. The combination of a viscoelastic hydrogel formulation and positive patient outcomes makes Hymovis a valuable option for those seeking relief from knee OA.

Hyalgan

Hyalgan is a widely used treatment for joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. It aims to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. This injection contains hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in joint fluid, which helps lubricate and cushion the joints. FDA-approved for treating knee pain when other therapies have failed, Hyalgan offers a non-surgical solution for osteoarthritis relief.

The treatment delivers hyaluronic acid directly to the knee, easing movement and making everyday activities more manageable. Injections are typically administered in a doctor’s office over several weeks, offering patients a convenient and effective option. While Hyalgan does not repair damaged cartilage or bones, it enhances joint lubrication and function, providing significant relief for those with osteoarthritis.

Clinical Effectiveness and Studies Supporting Hyalgan

Studies on Hyalgan have highlighted its efficacy in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. A randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial demonstrated significant pain relief and improved joint function in the Asian population. A pivotal US trial found that a 5-injection regimen of Hyalgan provided long-lasting pain relief equivalent to 364 doses of naproxen, with fewer adverse events.

Hyalgan has been extensively studied in over 100 clinical trials globally. These trials showed long-lasting pain relief for up to 6 months and significant pain reduction with repeat treatment for up to 30 months. These findings underscore Hyalgan’s value as a treatment option for knee OA patients.

Suitability for Different Patient Populations

Elderly patients often face unique challenges when managing osteoarthritis, such as reduced mobility, thinner joint cartilage, and the presence of other health conditions. Both Hymovis and Hyalgan are safe options for elderly patients, but certain factors may influence which treatment is more suitable.

Hymovis, with its extended joint retention, requires only two injections, making it a convenient choice for older patients who may have difficulty with frequent office visits. Its long-lasting formulation reduces the need for multiple treatments, which is particularly beneficial for those who may have mobility or transportation challenges.

Meanwhile, Hyalgan requires three to five injections over several weeks, which could be more demanding for elderly patients. However, its long history of use and favorable safety profile make it a trusted option for those who prefer a well-established treatment. 

Impact of Patient’s Activity Level on Treatment Choice

A patient’s activity level also plays a significant role in determining the most appropriate viscosupplement. Hymovis may be particularly beneficial for patients who are moderately to highly active, as its longer-lasting formulation is designed to withstand greater joint stress.

Active individuals who engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, biking, or light sports, may find that Hymovis provides more consistent and prolonged joint support, allowing them to maintain their active lifestyles with less frequent treatments.

For patients with a lower activity level, Hyalgan may offer sufficient relief. Its proven effectiveness and well-established safety record make it a reliable option for individuals with less strenuous daily activities. The multi-injection approach can be effective for those whose joints undergo less mechanical stress, providing the lubrication needed to improve basic mobility without the extended retention offered by Hymovis.

Advantages and Limitations of Hymovis

Hymovis offers several advantages for patients with osteoarthritis. Its unique hyaluronan-based formulation provides the following:

• Extended Pain Relief: Hymovis offers long-lasting joint lubrication due to its unique hyaluronan-based formulation, which provides relief that lasts longer than other viscosupplements.
• Fewer Injections: Only two injections are required, spaced one week apart, making it a convenient option for patients who prefer fewer doctor visits.
• Improved Mobility: Many patients experience significant improvements in mobility and joint comfort, helping them regain daily functionality.

Despite its benefits, Hymovis does have some limitations:

• Post-injection Stiffness: Hymovis’ thicker gel may cause mild joint stiffness in some patients following the injections.
• Not Ideal for Severe Cases: It may be less effective for patients with severe joint damage or those needing immediate pain relief.
• Complex Formulation: In comparing treatments like Hymovis vs Euflexxa or Hyalgan, Hymovis’ more complex formulation might not appeal to patients who prefer a simpler and more established treatment.

Advantages and Limitations of Hyalgan

Hyalgan is a well-established viscosupplement used to treat knee osteoarthritis that offers the following benefits:

• FDA Approved: Hyalgan is a safe and trusted option for managing knee osteoarthritis, backed by FDA approval.
• Short-Term Pain Relief: It effectively reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness for patients who haven’t responded to other therapies.
• Simple Administration: Easily administered in a doctor’s office through a series of injections.
• Proven Effectiveness: Clinical studies show Hyalgan improves joint mobility and reduces symptoms like swelling and fibrosis.

But like Hymovis, this treatment also has some limitations:

• Temporary Relief: Hyalgan provides short-term relief, requiring additional injections over time to maintain results, which can increase costs.
• Limited Impact on Severe OA: While it reduces pain, it does not repair damaged cartilage or bones, making it less suitable for severe cases.
• May Not Suit Active Individuals: Compared to other treatments, Hyalgan may not provide the extended joint lubrication needed for more active patients seeking long-term relief.

Conclusion

Choosing between Hymovis and Hyalgan for knee osteoarthritis relief depends on your specific needs and treatment goals. While both treatments effectively reduce pain, neither can repair existing cartilage damage. Hymovis may offer better friction reduction due to its longer-lasting formulation, whereas Hyalgan is particularly effective at reducing pain and swelling.

To determine the most suitable option for your condition and lifestyle, consult with your doctor, who can guide you based on your priorities and health needs.

FAQs

1. How do Hymovis and Hyalgan differ in terms of treatment duration?

Hymovis requires only two injections, spaced one week apart, and provides long-lasting relief. Hyalgan typically requires three to five injections over several weeks for effective pain management.

2. Do Hymovis and Hyalgan repair cartilage in the knee?

No, neither Hymovis nor Hyalgan repairs damaged cartilage. These treatments focus on improving joint lubrication to reduce pain and enhance mobility, but they do not reverse the damage caused by osteoarthritis.

3. Which treatment offers longer-lasting results: Hymovis or Hyalgan?

Hymovis is formulated to provide extended joint lubrication and pain relief with fewer injections, making it ideal for those seeking longer-lasting effects. Hyalgan also offers significant relief, but may require more frequent injections for ongoing benefits.

4. How do I decide between Hymovis and Hyalgan?

The choice between Hymovis and Hyalgan depends on your preferences for injection frequency, how active you are, and your doctor’s recommendation based on your specific health needs.

References

Peat G, McCarney R, Croft P. Knee pain and osteoarthritis in older adults: a review of community burden and current use of primary health care. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2001;60(2):91-97. doi:10.1136/ard.60.2.91

Duncan R, Francis RM, Collerton J, et al. Prevalence of arthritis and joint pain in the oldest old: findings from the Newcastle 85+ Study. Age and Ageing. 2011;40(6):752-755. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afr105 

Foran J. Arthritis of the Knee – OrthoInfo – AAOS. Aaos.org. Published 2014. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-knee/