If you’re starting to feel knee pain relief thanks to Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20), now’s the time to get into a healthy routine. Daily activity and exercise can help you escape what’s known as the vicious cycle of osteoarthritis: Knee pain leads to inactivity and weight gain, which can lead to more pain.
Finding that initial knee pain relief is an important first step. But because osteoarthritis is a chronic condition — meaning it never completely goes away — it’s all the more important to break the cycle now. You need to actively manage your osteoarthritis, just like other chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to help keep the symptoms and pain from returning.
So how can you get on the right track to staying ahead of osteoarthritis knee pain and enjoying an active lifestyle?
#1 – Educate yourself
The more you know about osteoarthritis, the more options you have. There are countless articles online, like those in our Knee Exercise Center, that can help you stay up-to-date on the latest osteoarthritis research and medical findings.
#2 – Stay active
Exercise is important in terms of maintaining joint health and even slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.
- It helps strengthen the muscles supporting your knee while helping maintain flexibility.
- It gets your heart pumping blood faster through your body, warming tissues and bringing them the oxygen and nutrients needed for repair.
Use the osteoarthritis knee pain relief provided by Synvisc-One to reap the benefits of exercise and get back to the active pursuits you enjoy. Talk to your doctor about which exercises are right for you, and take a look at our Knee Exercise Videos designed especially for patients with osteoarthritis.
#3 – Maintain a healthy weight
For each extra pound you carry, your knees feel three to five. Not only can the right foods help keep you at a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your knees, they also contain nutrients that could keep your cartilage and bones stronger. Be sure to discuss helpful additions to your diet with your doctor, and learn more about delicious ways to eat healthier in our Nutrition & Weight Loss section.
#4 – Be proactive about the pain
Just because chronic conditions can’t be cured, doesn’t mean you have to live in pain. Osteoarthritis knee pain can be managed successfully with ongoing care. You know your knees 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.
Make the most of the knee pain relief provided by Synvisc-One — follow these four steps and break free from the vicious cycle of osteoarthritis.
NEXT: Explore the Knee Exercise Center
PLEASE NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of the advice of your doctor. By providing you with this information, Genzyme Corporation is not endorsing its content. You should consult with your doctor before starting any new health regimen.