Durolane Injections in Toronto
In joints, cartilages are protected by a viscous gel called synovial fluid (joint fluid). This fluid allows joints to move freely and protects them by acting as a shock absorber. Synovial fluid contains high hyaluronic acid levels, a viscoelastic substance that plays a massive role in normal joint function, normal joint fluid balance and protection.
Usually, hyaluronic acid is continuously broken down and replaced in a well-balanced manner. In osteoarthritis, its breakdown becomes higher than the replacement rate, causing negative synovial fluid changes. This leaves the joints, particularly the cartilages, prone to damage.
At Push Pounds Sports Medicine, we help individuals affected by osteoarthritis to mitigate the condition’s effects through advanced treatment options, including Durolane injections.
What Is Durolane
Durolane is a preparation containing hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in synovial fluid responsible for the fluid’s viscoelasticity. It is injected into the joints affected by osteoarthritis to replace the lost hyaluronic acid, restoring joint lubrication and protection.
The hyaluronic acid in Durolane is produced through NASHA, a cutting-edge technology that ensures the production of highly purified HA. This process does not use any animal-sourced materials, minimizing the presence of harmful components in the end product.
Using Hyaluronate (Durolane) Injections for Osteoarthritis Treatment
Durolane is typically used for managing osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist and toes in patients who have not responded to other nonsurgical treatments. As osteoarthritis progresses, the breakdown of HA increases, exposing cartilages to damage. Durolane contains NASHA, a form of HA that is highly resistant to degradation. This is introduced into the affected joints to mimic the effects of the naturally occurring HA, thus restoring the lubricating and shock absorption properties of synovial fluid.
Before receiving a Durolane injection, our specialists examine you to assess whether the treatment is a viable option for your condition. If Durolane can be of benefit to your condition, it is injected into the affected joint using guided imaging. This ensures the precise delivery of hyaluronic acid. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, and since it is minimally invasive, patients can return home after the treatment session. Note that if the affected joint or the overlying skin has an infection, Durolane cannot be administered.
To learn more about Durolane injections or to schedule an assessment, please contact our experts.
Benefits of Durolane
Durolane is one of the most preferred osteoarthritis treatments because it has more benefits compared to other treatments, including other hyaluronic acid products. Here are some of the benefits of Durolane:
- Its HA is created using NASHA, i.e., Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. This means that there are no animal-sourced products in this injection, minimizing any risks of a negative reaction.
- Its hyaluronic acid has optimized rheological properties, making it highly resistant to degradation.
- The treatment can be repeated as required by your specialist
- It is minimally invasive
- An excellent alternative to pain medication
- Helps delay or avert knee and hip replacement surgeries
- Its effects are long-term, i.e., up to six months
- Easy to administer directly into the affected joint
If you are suffering from joint pain due to osteoarthritis, get in touch with our specialists, and find out if Duralone is right for you.
Durolane Injection Side Effects
Like any other treatment, Durolane may have some side effects. However, since it contains non-animal HA, it poses minimal side effects (no animal proteins and endotoxins). Some of the side effects of Durolane include:
- Bleeding
- Allergic reactions (rare as the HA is highly-purified)
- Infection
- Pain and soreness
- Minimal swelling on the injection site
Most of these side effects are common, and they subside after a period of time. To minimize the risk of side effects, you should receive your treatment from a qualified and experienced specialist. At Push Pounds Sports Medicine, our experts are well-versed with Durolane and its administration. Also, our specialists conduct a thorough examination to determine whether the treatment will be of help to your condition.
Please contact us today to learn more about Durolane injection in Toronto Canada and its impact on osteoarthritis.