Has anyone had the Synvisc injections?

[Kikko]

I have had left knee problems for at least 4 years now.  Dr. has given me quite a few injections into the knee.  Now he is suggesting Synvisc injections. This is injected once a week for three weeks and is supposed to provide up to 6 months of knee pain relief. I was wondering if anyone has had this treatment and if there are any side effects from it?  And does it really work and last as long as they claim?????  Thanks,  Kikko

[lmallak99]

I've got problems with both knees, the one with bone spurs, chronic swelling, and degeneration of the cartilage under the patella responds to the Synvisc shots wonderfully.  It takes the pain away for up to 6 months, then I get the shots again, (3 shots in one Dr. visit).  But interestingly my other knee, which just has general degeneration from arthritis, did not respond to the Synvisc at all.  I've also tried Cortisone in both knees with no success but the Synvisc was a godsend for the one knee.  I've been getting the shots every 4 to 6 months since early 2009 and like I said they work wonderfully, but only the one knee responded to it.

[LangTran]

Hi Vili,
I heavily played competative tennis for a long time and now my right knee takes a toll.  I don't have any lateral meniscus and catirlage left.  After the surgery, my doctor recommended me to have Synvisc after 1 month from the surgery date.  It's has been 4 weeks now as I am doing my own therapy.  The swelling is 90% gone but I do feel my knee is "locked" and a knee pain as I bend (part of the therapy).  Do or did you feel the same?  Have you gotten the Synvisc?  How was it in regard to the locked knee.  Please advise. Lang Tran, Nov 19th, 2012.

[Chuckh1957]

I have my third shot Monday afternoon.  First one didn't do any good and the second one put me out of service for 3 days.  I'm a machinist and on my feet all day long.  I'm good for the first 3 or 4 hours and then I can't stand it.  They have me on tramadol ever 3 hours with Tylenol and that don't even faze it.  Not sure if I want a third shot.  So far my boss has been understanding but don't know how long that will last.  The reason I'm taking the shots is I have a dead spot o. My femur.  

[drfirooz]

As a rheumatologist, I use both Synvisc and Synvisc one for my patients with osteoarthritis. Synvisc is one of the 5 forms of hyaluronic acid in the US market for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It is thought to lubricate and cushion the joint and to reduce pain. It does not work on everyone- about 2/3 of people benefit from these injections, and in my experience Synvisc (3 weekly injections) may be slightly more effective than Synvics one. All hyaluronic acids are thought to work better in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis than those with severe disease. Some people start seeing a benefit after the 2nd injection, but the effects seem to peak about one week after the 3rd injection. The injections can be repeated every 6 months. For people who see a benefit with these injections, it is an excellent alternative to surgery.

[Dougxyz]

I had the Synvisc one injection 2 weeks ago and after 2 weeks it has helped a lot. The injection pain is minimal until it goes deep into the knee ad hits the pocket it is suppose to. That hurts but not a lot. Less for me than a shot at the dentist. The results surprised me since I had the 3 shot version a couple years ago with no results. I have no medial meniscus so will eventually need at least a partial. I have waited 5 years since the ortho. dr.  told me I needed a full knee replacement but partial knee replacements were not an option back then, at least I had not heard of them. Am hoping I have not done too much damage since since every year since the first diagnosis with 2 scope operations, the osteoarthritis has gotten worse. My left knee has always been fine so an injury to the right knee caused the eventual osteoarthritis. I would suggest a scope early on but my first scope was done very poorly since the hotshot surgeon took off too much meniscus and left a flap at th end which caught between 2 bones and shredded my medial meniscus. My second surgeon even admitted the first scope was a disaster, worst job he had seen. So choose your surgeon carefully.

[eboney14]

hi i have had this injection twice with little to no change it is very fustrating i also has bila scope surgery meniscus tear, about 7 to 8 yrs ago, pills are making me sick being dope up all the time is no fun, now i am seek an sport orth doctor about rt knee replacement.and these ins co are part of the problem with delaying auth for precudures to be done,,,i wish eveyone good luck maxine--i am requesting to be put to sleep for this nerve block injection to rt knee, last year i had my lf knee nerve block done it has help a lot/////