New Ray of hope for Osteoarthritis Patients

By ENN,
Ahmedabad: For osteoarthritis patients suffering from joint pain, stiffness and loss of movement, a new treatment is now available that can save the patient from the side effect of painkillers besides delaying the prospect of undue surgery.

Called Synvisc-one, they are a special kind of lubricant called 'viscosupplement' made from a natural substance that lubricates and cushions joint and provides up to six months of knee pain relief with just one injection.

According to Dr Harsh Shah, Specialist Joint Replacement Surgeon, Hip & Knee Clinic, "Viscosupplementation is the preferred therapy for patients suffering from Osteoarthritis of knee where surgery and painkillers can be safely avoided. A single shot can provide relief for six to eight months as well as avert gastrointestinal complications arising out of intake of common painkillers such as NSAIDs."

Since the cause of osteoarthritis is not completely known, there is no cure but only treatments that help reduce pain. Dr. Nilesh Shah, Consultant joints-sports injuries specialist and arthroscopic surgeon, Sterling Hospital & Honorary Professor at the B J Medical College & Civil Hospital "In Osteoarthritis, there is breakdown of joint fluid and cartilage, the sinovial fluid that covers and protects the ends of the bones in the joint. Viscosupplementation involves removal of diseased joint fluid & replacement with a biological substance that supplements elasticity and viscosity in the diseased knee joint & reduces pain and improves mobility."