SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Durolane
Can You Walk After Durolane Injection? Post-Injection Mobility Considerations
May 13, 2024
Did you know knee osteoarthritis affects approximately 250 million people worldwide? Mobility challenges are prevalent among them. Whether it’s a short stroll or a daily commute, OA-related pain can significantly impact quality of life.
Durolane is a hyaluronic acid-based gel designed for intra-articular injections. When injected directly into the knee joint, it provides targeted pain relief and improved joint function. Durolane aims to restore comfort and ease of movement by enhancing joint lubrication and minimizing inflammation.
In this article, we delve into the science behind Durolane, explore patient experiences, and address common questions about walking post-injection.
Key Takeaways
- Durolane knee injections are a common treatment for knee osteoarthritis, aiming to relieve pain and improve joint function.
- Post-injection mobility may be affected initially, but patients can typically resume walking and daily activities within a few days.
- Managing patient expectations for post-injection mobility ensures a smooth recovery and overall treatment satisfaction.
About: Trusted by over 2,000+ global clients since 2014, Maylips has become a leading supplier of cosmetic, skincare, and orthopedic products for medical and aesthetic professionals. Maylips offers a wide range of authentic brand-name products at competitive wholesale prices, sourced from around the world. If you’re looking to buy Durolane wholesale, contact our sales team for guidance.
Can You Walk After Durolane?
Durolane works by restoring the natural balance of hyaluronic acid in your knee. This substance acts like a lubricant and shock absorber, helping knees to move smoothly. It reduces pain and improves mobility, making daily activities easier. Durolane injections mimic the body’s hyaluronic acid, offering a cushioning effect that eases joint movement.
After a Durolane injection, patients can walk and do everyday activities. Yet, it’s wise to avoid hard tasks like running or lifting heavy things. Pain might get less after the shot, helping people move better. Some might need to wait before doing sports or long walks again. It’s okay to do the usual stuff, but avoid tough exercise at first.
Doctors suggest staying off strong actions such as tennis or jogging right after getting Durolane. This helps the knee heal without extra stress. Swelling or pain could happen but will go away soon. Each person reacts differently, so some may feel better faster than others. Always watch your body’s feelings, and don’t rush into hard activities too quickly.
Managing Patient Expectations for Post-Injection Mobility
It is vital to educate patients about how they will move and feel after a Durolane injection. This guidance and explaining what Durolane is, helps them know what to expect and how to care for themselves. Here’s how medical professionals can share this info:
- Explain that walking is okay right after the injection. Let them know they should keep it accessible, like taking short walks around the house or office.
- Share that it’s normal to avoid challenging activities for 48 hours. This means saying no to running, heavy lifting, or long stands during this time.
- Talk about the possibility of minor pain or swelling where the shot was given. Patients should know this is common and usually goes away on its own.
- Suggest using ice packs if there’s swelling or discomfort. Ice can help make these feelings better.
- Inform them that doing too much too soon can cause more pain. Slowly educating them on the need to return to their routines helps.
- For several days after the injection, avoid sports like tennis, jogging, or any job that puts much stress on the knee.
- Encourage patients to listen to their bodies. If they feel something is hurting or off, they should take it easy and check in with their healthcare provider.
- Discuss how some people might need more rest than others before they feel back to normal. Every patient’s recovery is different based on their body and health.
- Offer tips for gentle exercises or physical therapy options that could aid recovery without risking further injury.
- Set up a follow-up plan so patients know when and how to report their progress or any problems they experience after their Durolane treatment.
Practical Recommendations for Post-Injection Mobility
After a Durolane injection, taking care of your knee and changing your activities helps speed up recovery. This approach ensures you get back to daily routines safely.
- Avoid high-level activities such as running or jumping for 48 hours. This rest period helps reduce the risk of swelling and pain.
- Walking is okay, but keep it light and brief for the first couple of days. Short walks are beneficial without putting too much strain on your knee.
- Avoid strenuous activities like tennis, jogging, or lifting heavy objects for at least two days after the injection to prevent undue stress on the treatment area.
- After a week, follow up with your doctor to check on healing progress, especially if your joint space narrowing is severe, which might further limit activity.
- Use ice packs on your knee if there’s any swelling or discomfort. Applying ice for 20 minutes several times a day can provide relief.
- Elevate your leg when resting to reduce swelling. Keeping your knee higher than your heart helps fluids drain better.
- Attend physical therapy sessions if recommended by your health provider. Professionals can guide you through safe exercises that improve knee function without harm.
- Watch for signs of increased pain, swelling, or other side effects from the injection, and promptly report them to your healthcare provider.
- Gradually reintroduce regular activities into your routine based on how you feel and the advice of medical professionals rather than rushing back into them.
- Carefully monitor your knee’s response to daily tasks, adjusting as necessary to avoid actions that may lead to discomfort or delay healing.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Considerations
Physical therapy is crucial post-Durolane injection. Patients begin with gentle exercises to improve knee mobility. Physical therapists specialized in Durolane recovery design exercises to enhance strength without damaging the knee, monitoring progress, and making necessary adjustments.
Rehabilitation may vary based on individual factors. While staying active aids recovery, it’s essential to know limits. Avoid strenuous activities like running or heavy lifting immediately after the injection to ensure a gradual return to regular activities, facilitating optimal knee healing.
Monitoring and Managing Post-injection Pain and Discomfort
After a Durolane knee injection, some patients might feel pain or swelling. Taking care of this discomfort is key to a smooth recovery. Here are ways to help patients manage these symptoms:
- Suggest using ice packs on the knee for 20 minutes at a time. This can reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Tell patients to take it easy. Remind them about the advice to avoid heavy activities like jogging or long walks for the first two days.
- Recommend over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Make sure they fit with what the patient usually can take.
- Encourage gentle exercises after 48 hours to keep the knee moving. Moving helps with healing but should not be strenuous.
- Watch for signs of more serious problems, such as severe swelling, redness, or heat in the knee area, which could mean an infection.
- Have regular check-ins with patients to track their progress and any concerns.
Facilitating Smooth Recovery After Durolane Treatment
Doctors play a significant role in guiding patients through recovery after Durolane knee injections. They advise gradually resuming activities, including gentle exercises, to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Setting clear expectations about avoiding strenuous activities like running or long walks immediately after treatment is crucial for successful recovery. Regular follow-ups help monitor progress and address issues early, ensuring patients can confidently return to normal activities with reduced discomfort, one step at a time.
Long-term Mobility Considerations and Followup Care
Durolane injections aim to improve knee function and reduce pain over time. Long-term care includes checking on the knee’s movement and comfort. Doctors suggest limiting high-impact activities to help the knee heal after Durolane treatment. For patients with severe joint problems, activity might need adjusting even longer.
Follow-up care is key in keeping knees moving well after Durolane. This often involves visits to check progress and discuss any concerns about mobility or pain. Successful recovery varies by person, but sticking to advised activities and getting proper rest can lead to better outcomes.
Conclusion
Durolane knee injections can positively impact mobility and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. By understanding the expected changes in mobility post-injection, managing patient expectations, and providing practical recommendations for post-injection mobility, healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in supporting patients through a smooth recovery process.
Providers can improve patient outcomes and overall treatment satisfaction by addressing concerns, offering guidance, and facilitating ongoing care.
FAQs
1. What is Durolane, and why do people get it?
Durolane is an injection administered by doctors to alleviate knee pain caused by arthritis. People opt for Durolane to experience pain relief and improved mobility.
2. Can you walk right after getting a Durolane injection?
Yes, most individuals can walk without difficulty after receiving the injection. However, doctors often recommend taking it easy for a brief period.
3. How does Durolane compare to Synvisc?
Both injections target knee pain, but they are distinct treatments. Durolane and Synvisc are similar yet different. Your doctor can help determine which one suits you best.
4. Are there any side effects I should watch out for with Durolane?
Some individuals may experience soreness or swelling at the injection site, but severe side effects are rare.
References
Faranak Kooranian, Zohreh ParsaYekta, Rassouli M. Barriers and Challenges to Self-Care among Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study. Ethiopian journal of health sciences. 2022;32(5):963-974. doi:https://doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v32i5.12
Hyaluronic Acid (Injection Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hyaluronic-acid-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20074557?p=1