Joint pain FAQ

What is a "Synovial Joint" and "Synovial Fluid"?

A synovial joint is one in which the ends of the bones are enclosed in a capsule containing a thick, slippery liquid called synovial fluid.

For more information, please go to our "What is a Synovial Joint" page.

How can I get OSTENIL®?

OSTENIL® has to be administered by a suitably qualified clinician. This might be your GP, a Consultant, or a qualified Physiotherapist or Podiatrist. They will usually order it on your behalf. Alternatively, you can obtain a prescription and take this to your local pharmacy where it can be ordered for you. You will then have to take the syringes back to the clinician for injection into the affected joint. For more information, please go to our "FAQ How to get Ostenil" page.

Is OSTENIL® suitable for my particular condition?

No one knows your particular condition better than your GP or consultant, so please ask him or her. TRB Chemedica is not qualified to give medical advice.

Are OSTENIL® products available on the NHS?

Ostenil injections are available at some NHS trusts, but not all. If your consultant has advised that it isn't available, then it will need to be purchased by yourself.

Ostenil is not available in primary care (GPs).

Is OSTENIL® suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

OSTENIL® products contain no blood, or animal derived products, or human donor products, so they are fine to be used by vegetarians or vegans.

For which joints can OSTENIL® be used?

All OSTENIL® products are licensed for use in any synovial joint of the body, typically the knee, hip, or shoulder joints. Ostenil® products are also suitable for the elbow, ankle, and some of the small joints such as the jaw, hand (finger, wrist and saddle joints) and toe joints.

How soon will the pain go away after my injection?

You may not notice any benefits immediately after the first injection, but you should gradually start to feel less pain and stiffness over the next few weeks.

How long will the positive effect of the injection last?

The improvement in your symptoms should last for several months, depending partly on the number of injections you have. You can expect the benefit from three injections to persist for up to 9 months.

What exercises are best after the injection?

After your injection with OSTENIL® hyaluronic acid (or: sodium hyaluronate) into your knee joint, or other synovial joint, you may want to utilise and prolong the positive effects of the treatment and get your joints moving again.

Please ask your GP, Physiotherapist, or Orthopaedic Consultant for more detailed advice.