There are a lot of things that you need to be prepared for as you get older. One of the biggest downsides is that you are going to need to worry about knee pain.
If you have knee pain as you get older, then you are going to need to consider various medications that could help. This is going to include Durolane, which was first made available back in 2001. The FDA has a background on the history of this medication.
There are a lot of benefits of using Durolane. However, there are also some side effects to be aware of as well. Keep reading to learn more about some of the benefits and concerns to be aware of.
Is Durolane A Viable Option for Treating Knee Pain?
Chronic knee pain is an unfortunate condition that is more common than you may think. Knee pain is especially common among older Americans, which is why we talked about it in our post in our Boomer Voice section.
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According to data from the ACL Administration for Community Living, in the United States alone, more than 30 million people suffer from this problem. The good news is that most of these people discover that it is possible to to deal with this condition in their day-to-day life with minimal discomfort.
It is a good thing that researchers in this field are conducted non-stop studies to learn more about it, so there are plenty of solutions to help control knee osteoarthritis and other causes of knee pain. One of the products is Durolane injections which work perfectly for long-lasting joint pain relief.
We are here today to discuss this brand in more detail, learn more about its possible side effects, and find optimal ways to make post-infusion recovery comfortable and non-problematic. Your experience using Durolane can be positive and you may have significant benefits on the first dose. You may feel it is the perfect drug to keep your joints healthy. The most important thing is to know about both the risks and benefits.
What Is Durolane?
Good lubrication between knee joints is necessary for comfortable movement without unwanted pain. Along with cartilage that absorbs shock, another fluid – sodium hyaluronate – is also present there. However, as we age, the cartilage wears down gradually, so the friction in the knees becomes repetitive and more intense; as a result, elderly patients experience knee joint pain on a regular basis. That’s why such products as Durolane are essential here.
Durolane has become a very popular medication. According to the Orthopedic Design and Technology Magazine, two million people use this medication as of September 2020. More recent data is not immediately available, but it has presumably increased.
These hyaluronic acid injections come in the form of a thick gel and perfectly mimic the fluid in one’s knees, promoting better shock absorption and comfortable movement. Compared to other treatment options, Durolane is better because it lasts longer and settles better between the knee joints. Only one injection of Durolane every six months is required for treating osteoarthritis, while with other brands, you’ll need multiple injections for the same effect of longevity. On top of that, Durolane cost is affordable, so any patient can buy it after getting a prescription from a healthcare professional.
Correct Injection Technique and Post-Treatment Recovery
Even though Durolane is better known as knee injections, other regions can also be treated with its help. Just like that, patients who suffer from shoulder or hip pain can use this product if physical therapy and other more traditional medications don’t work.
Durolane for knee pain can only be used in a clinic where an experienced professional can administer the product to the target area; the infusion is done relatively quickly, so there is no need to postpone your plans for the day. Let’s discuss the process in a few words.
*Sometimes, joint effusion is required before administering Durolane. That’s a name for removing excess fluid from the joint to provide a better experience with Durolane infusion.
Before the session, the target area must be carefully cleaned and disinfected. A topical numbing cream or anesthetic may be used to eliminate discomfort during the procedure. With sterile gloves on, a doctor should use a single-syringe dose of the gel on each knee; the product is introduced with one swift motion, so patients rarely feel any pain or discomfort. Sometimes, ice packs are recommended to be used to prevent swelling, bruising, and other unfortunate side effects.
Durolane Injection Side Effects
Even though intra-articular infusions like Durolane rarely cause complications, some adverse reactions are still possible as the procedure involves the injection of an unknown solution into the body. It’s natural for the organism to require time to get used to it. First of all, the local side effects practically anyone experiences are redness, bruising, swelling, and high skin sensitivity in the target zone. People may also expect muscle pain, headache, and dizziness after the treatment session. However, as the body is accustomed to Durolane, these should disappear within 2-3 days.
Regarding rarer and more serious side effects, such issues as allergic reactions, hives, infections, constant muscle pain, and other similar conditions should be highlighted. It’s better to inform a specialist if any of these unwanted effects occur, as sometimes medical help may be required to prevent these warning signs from progressing. Sometimes, further investigation and antibiotic treatment are needed to treat these problems, so discuss all the concerns with a doctor for a safer experience with Durolane.
If this injectable is unsuitable for an individual’s concerns, plenty of alternatives can be used instead of Durolane. A specialist may recommend a replacement that will be just as effective and safe as this brand. Go through all required medical check-ups to be sure which option to use to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis – that’s the safest way to do it.
Is Durolane Safe for Anyone?
Durolane injections for knee osteoarthritis contain hyaluronic acid, which is a safe substance perfectly biodegradable with the human body, meaning this product works well for patients with practically any medical requests. However, some limitations should still be considered for the sake of people’s safety:
- Skin disease in the target area;
- Injection of the knee pain joint;
- Allergies related to any component of the solution;
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
In case this brand is not right for an individual, other injectables may be considered. Some other brands like Euflexxa or Synvisc. All these products require a prescription from a specialist; plus, the administration process may only be performed by an experienced professional who knows all the nuances of the human body anatomy. That’s the only way to provide a positive experience in a hospital and expected knee pain relief after the treatment. Don’t try to use Durolane on your own if you don’t have a proper education.
The Bottom Line
Durolane side effects are typical for the treatment; even though the product is safe and rarely causes problems, knowing the risks is crucial for a positive experience with the injectable. Among some common symptoms, we can point out swelling, redness, increased skin sensitivity, and other things that can cause discomfort to patients. Typically, all issues are gone within a few days after the appointment; however, if they last longer or more severe adverse reactions occur, a doctor’s help may be required to ensure they won’t turn into something life-threatening. Always stay in touch with a doctor and inform them about any warning signs. Stay safe!