Treatment options for pain associated with OA

Just because chronic conditions can’t be cured, it doesn’t mean you have to live in pain. OA pain can be managed with ongoing care. You know your joints best, so pay attention to how they feel. Remember to be proactive, not reactive. Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your knees, work together to keep your symptoms under control and keep participating in the activities you enjoy.

Intra-articular injections

Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation is a procedure where a gel-like material, called hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid, is injected into a joint. High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid in the cavity of joints. When hyaluronic acid (as viscosupplements) is injected into a joint, it provides lubrication that may provide some pain relief. It may also allow for more extensive movement of the joint.

SYNVISC® and Synvisc-One® are two examples of viscosupplements.

  • SYNVISC® is used to treat pain associated with OA of the knee, hip, ankle and shoulder
  • Synvisc-One® is used to treat pain associated with OA of the knee

Their high-molecular-weight formulation is biologically similar to hyaluronan, which is a component of synovial fluid and is responsible for its viscoelasticity.

With SYNVISC®, the duration of effect for those patients who respond to treatment has generally been reported up to 26 weeks. However, prospective clinical data in patients with OA of the knee have shown benefit of treatment up to 52 weeks, following a single course of three SYNVISC® injections.

Prospective clinical data in patients with OA of the knee have shown benefit of treatment up to 26 weeks, following a single Synvisc-One® injection.

These products may not be right for you. Talk to your healthcare professional.

Learn more about SYNVISC®/Synvisc-One®
Find a SYNVISC®/Synvisc-One® clinic near you

Corticosteroids

Injections of a corticosteroid directly into the joint may help relieve pain for a few weeks. This medication can worsen joint damage over time, which generally limits use to 3–4 injections per year.

Other options

  • Person standing at a pharmacy counter with pharmacist in the background

    Stock photo – posed by models.

    Over-the-counter medication

    • Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used for OA pain
    • Make sure to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications or supplements you are taking or are considering

    Prescription NSAIDs/COX-2 inhibitors

    • Your doctor may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help relieve OA-related pain
    • Always check with your doctor to see if you are safe to use an NSAID medication

    Topical pain relievers

    • Applied topically on the skin, these creams and rubs can help relieve pain but are not routinely used for long-term management of OA
  • Doctor wearing surgical clothes and personal protective equipment

    Stock photo – posed by model.

    • When OA becomes severe and other therapies are not working, surgery may be considered
    • Usually, the pain will be less than it was before the surgery, and most people will be able to do many of their daily activities more easily
    • Like in any surgery, for example in knee replacement surgery, there is a risk of complications
    • Surgery may not be helpful for patients who only have mild OA, even if they have significant pain

    Always remember to talk to your doctor before starting any treatment for OA

  • Person outside, eating a healthy snack on the go

    Stock photo – posed by model.

    Lifestyle modifications can be an important part of a multi-modal treatment approach.

    Education/self-management

    • Understanding the cause of your OA, how OA progresses, and ways to take control over your condition can help you maintain joint function and a sense of wellbeing
    • Key lifestyle changes can also make a difference: choosing healthy meals and introducing anti-inflammatory foods, staying active (physical activity or exercise), getting enough rest, and losing weight and/or maintaining a healthy weight
    • Use ice therapy to reduce inflammation and swelling around the affected joint

    Physical activity

    • Low-impact physical activity can help reduce pain and increase your range of motion by strengthening the muscles around the joint
    • Swimming, water aerobics and cycling are just some of the activities that can help you improve strength, flexibility and joint mobility
    • Avoid high-impact activities that may strain your joints

    Always speak with your healthcare provider before engaging in any physical activity.

    Physiotherapy

    • A physiotherapist can help you with personalized exercises to help your joints. Depending on your condition, physiotherapy may include:
      • Increasing the muscle mass around a joint
      • Improving your flexibility and mobility (range of motion)

    Bracing

    • A certified orthotist or brace fitter can provide you with a brace for your joints
    • A knee brace is designed to stabilize and redistribute the pressure away from the knee joint
    • There are different kinds of braces. You might need “unloader or offloader” braces to reduce pressure on key areas
    OnTRACK with SYNVISC®/Synvisc-One®

    Don’t forget
    These non-medicinal therapies can be continued while you are using other treatments for OA pain. Remember to talk with your doctor before introducing new therapies to make sure they are right for you.

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