Knee Synvisc injections: self-care

General information

• Alert staff prior to the injection if you are allergic to eggs, feathers, or chicken products, as some of the medication is made from rooster’s comb.
• Injections are once a week for three weeks. If needed, the series may be repeated in six months. There is no limit to the number of times the series may be repeated so long as it is helping.
• Limit yourself to everyday activities for the first two to three days after the injection.
• You may have pain relief within the first several days, but it may take up to six weeks to see improvement.
• Occasionally, patients may have a local reaction after the injection (knee becoming red, hot,
  or swollen); this will usually resolve within a couple of days. If needed, you may treat the swelling in several ways:
  • Ice.
  • Limitation of activities.
  • Elevating the limb above the heart.
  • Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
  • Wrapping the knee with an elastic wrap (neoprene-type sleeve or knee brace) by starting at the toes and wrapping to above the knee; this will compress the knee and keep the calf and the leg from swelling.
• Unlike cortisone/steroid injections, these joint-lubricant medications usually do not raise blood glucose levels.

If you have any questions or concerns, please immediately call the office where you received an injection.