Orthovisc Injection Reviews and Information

Last Updated On: September 13, 2024

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It often causes joint pain and stiffness, interfering with daily activities and significantly diminishing quality of life. To manage these symptoms, various treatment options are explored to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Orthovisc knee injections offer a promising solution, using a gel-like substance that mimics the body’s natural joint fluid to lubricate and cushion the knee joints. This support can help alleviate pain and enhance mobility for those struggling with knee osteoarthritis.

This article will delve into how Orthovisc injections work, highlighting their role in providing lubrication, reducing discomfort, and improving mobility for osteoarthritis patients.

Key Takeaways

• Orthovisc is a gel-like fluid injected directly into the knee joint to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.
• It works by cushioning and lubricating the joint, reducing friction, easing movement, and alleviating pain.
• Patients often report significant improvement in knee function, allowing them to return to activities with less discomfort.
• Side effects such as swelling or discomfort may occur, but many individuals experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after receiving Orthovisc injections.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. If you’re looking to buy Orthovisc online, contact our sales department for more information.

What is Orthovisc?

Orthovisc is a gel-like fluid injected directly into the knee joint to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis. FDA-approved for this purpose, it is often recommended when other treatments, such as pain medications or physical therapy, have not provided sufficient relief. Orthovisc works by cushioning and lubricating the joint, reducing friction, easing movement, and alleviating pain.

When comparing Orthovisc vs Synvisc and other viscosupplements like Euflexxa, patients often evaluate factors such as efficacy, side effects, and overall relief. While some individuals may experience mild side effects, many report significant improvement in knee function, allowing them to return to activities like hiking and daily routines with less discomfort.

Conditions Treated with Orthovisc

Orthovisc injections are a popular treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, offering a non-surgical option for those seeking relief when other treatments have failed.

• Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Targets joint pain and inflammation, providing cushioning that helps reduce discomfort.
• Joint Inflammation: Decreases swelling and heat in the knee, facilitating easier movement.
• Limited Mobility: Enhances joint lubrication, improving overall mobility and function.
• Chronic Knee Pain: Helps alleviate long-lasting pain, enabling patients to walk and move more comfortably post-treatment.
• Activity-Related Discomfort: Supports active lifestyles by reducing pain during hobbies such as hiking or exercising.
• Non-Responsive to Other Treatments: Provides an alternative when traditional therapies like pain medications or physical therapy do not offer adequate relief.

Patient Experiences with Orthovisc Injections

Orthovisc injection reviews give us a clear picture of how people feel about this treatment. Many report significant pain relief and improved mobility, allowing them to return to activities they enjoy. However, experiences can vary, with some noting side effects like swelling or discomfort. 

• Jennifer: ”At 49 my knee pain was so bad I thought life as I knew it was over. I tried physical therapy, cortisone and was told there was nothing left to do. I got a 2nd opinion and my new doctor recommended the Orthovisc and I could not be happier with the results!!!!! Pain free almost immediately and going on 4 months pain free!”
• Mare: “I’m 72 with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my knees. Orthovisc has been a miracle for me. I got THREE YEARS of relief! I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but I feel like a really lucky girl that it works for me. Good luck, everyone!”
• justbarb: ”I had Orthovisc injections (3) 7 months ago and it’s still easing my knee pain. I was told 3 years ago that I needed a new knee and now I can walk on my treadmill up to 20 minutes a day! The injections are no more painful than a cortisone injection.”

The Orthovisc Injection Process

Orthovisc injections are administered to individuals suffering from knee pain due to osteoarthritis, with the primary aim of reducing pain and enhancing mobility.

• Patient Assessment: The doctor first evaluates the patient’s condition, confirming that other treatments, such as simple pain relievers, have not provided sufficient relief.
• Eligibility Confirmation: The healthcare provider ensures that Orthovisc is suitable for the patient, especially for those with knee joint inflammation.
• Injection Plan: The patient is informed about the treatment plan, including the number of injections required, which is commonly three to four over several weeks.
• Preparation: A specific area on the knee is selected, and the skin is thoroughly cleaned to maintain sterility.
• Joint Aspiration: In some cases, fluid may be removed from the knee joint before administering Orthovisc to create space for the gel.
• Injection: The Orthovisc solution is injected directly into the knee joint to provide lubrication and cushioning.
• Discomfort and Side Effects: Some patients may experience brief discomfort or mild pain at the injection site. Side effects like swelling, heat, rash, itching, or bruising can occur but typically resolve quickly.
• Post-Injection Care: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, such as jogging, immediately after the injection to prevent aggravation.
• Recovery and Outcomes: Patients are briefed on when to expect improvements in knee pain and mobility, often noticing benefits within a few weeks.

Clinical Studies and Professional Opinions on Orthovisc

Experts have studied Orthovisc closely, comparing it to other treatments for joint pain. Their findings and opinions provide clear insights into its benefits and effectiveness for patients.

Several studies and clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of Orthovisc for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). One notable randomized controlled trial by Neustadt et al. (2005) involved 372 participants and demonstrated that Orthovisc is a safe and effective treatment for knee OA across various severity levels.

Another systematic review published in the BMJ analyzed data from 50 years of randomized trials on viscosupplementation, including Orthovisc, and found that these treatments can provide significant pain relief and improve joint function. A review in Clinical and Translational Medicine also highlighted the benefits of hyaluronic acid-based therapies, including Orthovisc, for OA symptoms.

Conclusion

Orthovisc injections help many people with knee pain from arthritis. They can get back to activities like hiking. Some feel discomfort after the shot, but it usually helps a lot. Doctors and studies say Orthovisc works well compared to other treatments. People looking for relief might find these shots useful.

FAQs

1. What is Orthovisc?

Orthovisc is a hyaluronic acid-based injectable treatment used to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis by lubricating and cushioning the joint.

2. How many Orthovisc injections are needed to achieve pain relief?

Typically, a series of three to four Orthovisc injections, administered one week apart, is needed to achieve pain relief from osteoarthritis. The exact number may vary based on individual patient needs and the severity of the condition.

3. Is Orthovisc FDA-approved?

Yes, Orthovisc is FDA-approved. It received approval in 2004 for the treatment of knee pain associated with osteoarthritis

References

Pavone, V., Vescio, A., Turchetta, M., Giardina, S. M. C., Culmone, A., & Testa, G. (2021). Injection-Based Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review of Guidelines. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 661805. 

Neustadt D, Caldwell J, Bell M, Wade J, Gimbel J. Clinical effects of intraarticular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronan (Orthovisc) in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial. The Journal of Rheumatology. 2005;32(10):1928-1936. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16206349/