Orthovisc For Shoulder – Cure Joint Pain

Shoulder pain is a common ailment, with an estimated annual incidence of 0.9 to 2.5% and a point prevalence of 18–26%. It is reported to be the third most common musculoskeletal symptom presenting for health care, making up an estimated 4% of annual consultations by adults in UK primary care.

Orthovisc, a type of viscosupplement, is similar to the fluid surrounding your body’s joints. This fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. Orthovisc is used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and is usually given after other arthritis medications have been tried without success.

This article will explore the use of Orthovisc for shoulder pain, discussing its effectiveness, potential side effects, and the treatment process. 

Key Takeaways

• Orthovisc, commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, can also effectively treat shoulder joint pain.
• Orthovisc’s mechanism of action involves providing lubrication and cushioning to the affected joint, reducing pain, and improving mobility.
• Patient selection criteria, injection procedure, post-injection care, and potential side effects are crucial considerations when using Orthovisc for shoulder pain relief.
• Clinical evidence and real-life cases support the efficacy and safety of Orthovisc for shoulder pain, expanding treatment options for medical professionals.

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Understanding Orthovisc for Shoulder Pain Relief

Orthovisc works by supplementing the hyaluronic acid that is missing in osteoarthritic joints. This extra hyaluronic acid acts like a lubricant and shock absorber. It helps to bring back cushioning and flexibility in the joint, making movement more accessible and less painful.

Treatment	Effectiveness	Side Effects	Suitable for
Orthovisc	Improves joint symptoms in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis	Mild pain at the injection site, swelling, and potential allergic reactions	Patients with continued pain and disability from osteoarthritis despite maximal medical therapy
IA Corticosteroid	Beneficial for early use in patients with frozen shoulder	Increased risk of infection and potential joint damage with long-term use	Patients with acute inflammation and not responsive to physical therapy
Physical Therapy	It can improve mobility and decrease pain	Temporary soreness or discomfort	Most patients with shoulder pain, especially in the early treatment stages
Pain Relief Medication	Provides temporary relief for mild to moderate pain	Gastrointestinal issues, risk of dependency on opioids	Patients looking for short-term pain management

Patient Selection Criteria for Orthovisc Treatment

Orthovisc injections offer a way to ease shoulder joint pain when other treatments fall short. This method works best for patients who meet specific criteria.

•  Patients with shoulder osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness, respond best to Orthovisc.
• Those who haven’t found relief from basic painkillers or physical therapy are good candidates. Simple analgesics and non-pharmacological treatments should be tried first.
• A structured evaluation is crucial before choosing Orthovisc. Doctors need to check a patient’s health history and symptoms closely.
• Sodium hyaluronate-naïve patients require initial authorization. This means they should not have had this treatment before.
• People without skin diseases or infections near the injection site progress with treatment. Clean, unbroken skin is necessary to reduce infection risks.
• Candidates must understand the procedure and possible side effects. They need precise information on what to expect during and after injections.
• Patients with severe allergies may not be suitable, especially for bird proteins, eggs, or feathers. Such allergies can increase reaction risks.

 The Orthovisc Injection Procedure for Shoulder Pain

Orthovisc is a popular treatment for joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, especially in the shoulder. The Orthovisc injection process involves several steps to ensure it’s done safely and effectively.

• Check the patient’s medical history and confirm their suitability for Orthovisc treatment.
• Gather all necessary supplies, including the Orthovisc syringe, gloves, antiseptic solution, and local anesthetic.
• Disinfect the injection site thoroughly with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
• Apply a local anesthetic to numb the area and reduce discomfort for the patient during the procedure.
• Carefully remove any joint effusion to prepare the joint for the Orthovisc injection.
• Use ultrasound guidance, if available, to pinpoint the exact location for injecting Orthovisc into the shoulder joint.

Orthovisc injections in the shoulder can cause temporary pain, swelling, and warmth. Some patients may also notice a rash, itching, bruising, or redness around the injection site. These reactions are common and usually mild.

 Post-Injection Care and Follow-Up

Dealing with discomfort after Orthovisc injections is critical for patient recovery. Patients may feel pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Headaches can also happen. Use ice packs to ease pain and keep swelling down.

After Orthovisc treatment for shoulder pain, starting rehabilitation and physical therapy is critical. This approach helps ease pain and gets the joint moving again. It’s tailored for each person and focuses on improving shoulder function.

Doctors monitor patients’ progress after orthopedic injections. They check whether the pain is less and whether the joint moves better, which helps them decide whether more shots are needed.

 Efficacy and Safety of Orthovisc for Shoulder Pain

Patients who got Orthovisc injections for their shoulder pain saw significant changes. Their pain went down, and their shoulders moved better. Here are some testimonials from patients: 

• “I’ve been getting the injections in both knees for several years from my Ortho and have experienced some relief from the pain in my knees. The doctors and MAs on staff are extremely proficient in performing the procedures, and I have never had any discomfort during the procedure. I have also been diagnosed with “end-osteoarthritis” in both shoulders and look forward to receiving the injections to either put an end to or reduce the pain that I experience.”
• “Have Osteoarthritis in both shoulders and have received 3 sets of injections over 24 months, 6 months apart, with no side effects. Excellent benefit after shot, diminishing proportionally over the period. I decided to stop weightlifting after the last shot to see what would happen (age 67) and found the pain had not returned. It has been 8 months now, and the pain level is quite tolerable with NSAIDs. We will start the moderate exercise program next week to determine what level will be an acceptable compromise to inactivity.”
• “I have bone-on-bone OA in my right shoulder. I have been told that I will inevitably need a shoulder replacement. I want to put this off for a while, if possible. I have had 3/4 injections. I was told not to conclude about effectiveness until after the last injection. I have had more daily and nighttime pain since starting injections, which I find disheartening as I had good pain control (1-2) before starting. Now it is a 3-4. I hope the Orthovisc will not fail me in the end!”

Potential Side Effects and Management Strategies

Orthovisc is a treatment used for shoulder pain relief, but it can have side effects. These side effects include issues at the injection site and general discomfort, among others.

• Joint pain might happen after an Orthovisc injection. Doctors often suggest ice packs or mild pain relievers to help with this.
• Stiffness in the shoulder could occur. Light exercise or physical therapy can often improve this discomfort.
• Swelling and itching at the injection area are common. Keeping the area clean and using over-the-counter creams may provide relief.
• Some patients report numbness or tingling sensations. These usually go away independently, but it is wise to contact a healthcare provider if they persist.
• Some individuals may experience headaches and dizziness. Rest and hydration typically help alleviate these symptoms.

These issues can bother patients after their treatment. Though rare, headaches and allergic reactions such as rash or breathing difficulties could also happen. Being alert to these responses is vital.

Expanding Treatment Options

Orthovisc offers a unique way to tackle shoulder pain by restoring joint health and helping new cartilage grow. This treatment shines in its capacity for pain management and enhancing shoulder function through viscosupplementation. Experts are looking at ways to make Orthovisc work better for shoulder pain. They are even comparing Orthovisc vs. Durolane to understand the products better. 

Conclusion

Orthovisc presents a valuable opportunity for medical experts to expand their treatment options for shoulder joint pain. With its proven efficacy, safety profile, and potential to improve patient outcomes, Orthovisc offers a promising alternative for individuals seeking relief from shoulder pain.

By understanding the mechanism of action, injection procedures, and potential side effects, medical professionals can confidently integrate Orthovisc into their comprehensive approach to managing shoulder joint pain.

FAQs

1. What is Orthovisc used for?

Orthovisc is a treatment that helps ease joint pain in the shoulder.

2. How does Orthovisc work?

It mimics the fluid in your joints, making movement smoother and less painful.

3. Is getting an Orthovisc shot painful?

You might feel a little pinch or pressure, but it’s quick!

4. How long does it take to feel better after using Orthovisc?

Improvement varies, but many people feel better within a few days to weeks.

5. Do I need more than one Orthovisc treatment?

Yes, usually, you’ll get a series of shots for the best results.

References

Waldorf, H. A., Beer, K., Bertucci, V., Carter, S., DeLorenzi, C., Eppley, B., … & Narins, R. S. (2021). An algorithmic approach to managing delayed-onset nodules. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 45(5), 2146-2155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40674-021-00184-z

Kuo, L. T., Lin, Y. S., Lenza, M., Huang, K. C., & Chi, C. C. (2017). Hyaluronate for shoulder osteoarthritis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(3), CD012617. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012617

Drugs.com. (n.d.). Orthovisc for osteoarthritis user reviews. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/comments/hyaluronan/orthovisc-for-osteoarthritis.html?search=shoulder#reviews