Generic Name: Orthovisc (hyaluronan)
Orthovisc Reviews
For Osteoarthritis "I have had bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in both knees for about 4 years. On disability. The pain without an anti-inflammatory is unbearable. Cannot walk. Refuse to take opioids. I take 2400 mg of Ibuprofen every day. Really worried about continued use of that amount - my poor stomach. I got my 1st Orthovisc injection in both knees 4 days ago, the injections were nearly pain-free, but the result is now I can barely walk. I seemed to be having an improvement of about 25% the first couple of days, though the injection site was sore. But over the past 24 hours, my worst knee is much more painful and worse than it was before I went. It feels like the gel did not reach the inside of my knee, where my damage is. I am going back Tuesday for the 2nd shot but before I do, I am talking with the doctor. This is terrible. Just terrible. The pain from Orthovisc is constant and nothing helps. Has anyone else experienced this?"
For Osteoarthritis "I am going in for my second shot of Orthovisc for both knees. I was extremely skeptical about it but gave it a try since the cortisone treatments only lasted for a few months. My first round of shots of Orthovisc were fantastic! I felt relief in a short space of time. No more concrete-like heaviness in the knees or crackling and shooting pain, except in the winter. Mine were in a lot of pain due to fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, plus a car accident where they got smushed between two cars. So there was A LOT to the pain. Orthovisc worked wonders for me, personally. Plus, it has been helpful for 1-2 years. I can't remember how long it's been, but it's been quite a while, maybe even 3 years. I hope the second round works as well as the first did. And that everyone using it will find similar relief in it."
For Osteoarthritis "I’m 52. I had my first injection of 3 today. It was not a terribly painful injection. But instantly, I could not walk. I stayed in the room for quite some time. I then somehow waddled out to the waiting room. I realized then that I had parked my car very far from the front door. It was the worst pain my knee has ever felt. I’ve had a left total knee done and this pain today is way worse than after surgery pain. So it’s evening now. I’ve wrapped it, iced it, and am doing next to nothing because I cannot put any sort of weight on it without having extreme pain. Even now, resting it is incredibly painful. I sure hope I’ve done the right thing."
For Osteoarthritis "I'm 72 with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my knees. Orthovisc has been a miracle for me. I got THREE YEARS of relief! I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I feel like a really lucky girl that it works for me. Good luck, everyone!"
For Osteoarthritis "I was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis and had surgery to fix meniscus tear. Osteoarthritis is bone on bone, tibia and femur, on the outside of my left knee. Probably due to trauma playing soccer. I am a 45-year-old woman. I played soccer since 3rd grade, high school, college, and after. Since 2000, I've mainly only run. January 22, 2014, was my surgery. Just over a month after my surgery, I had my first injection. I did not say anything to anyone because I was surprised at how much better the knee felt. Normally, just walking, I would have sharp pain on the outside of the knee. After the shot, I did not feel this. On day two after the shot, I walked for exercise over 3 miles and my knee felt great. I hope the next 2 injections go just as well and hope this pain-free feeling lasts."
For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis in both knees. I had a torn meniscus repaired in my left knee a year ago. My knees were killing me. The surgery provided some relief, but they both hurt constantly, and going upstairs or an incline was awful! I had my first of 3 injections last week. The shot was uncomfortable but bearable. My knees hurt pretty bad for the first few days after the shot. Now, almost a week later, my knees feel so much better. It's unbelievable. I had learned to deal with pain when I stood from sitting and pain when I sat down! To not feel the pain when I stand is amazing! I highly recommend the injections!"
For Osteoarthritis "At age 72, I had four weekly shots of Orthovisc on both bone-to-bone knees. During the first 45 minutes after injection, the knees feel like brand new again. Then, it wears off. But... after two weeks upon completion of the four shots, my knees feel wonderful. An amazing treatment, give it some time to really start working."
For Osteoarthritis "I am 74 years old, bone-on-bone both knees. Three years ago my right leg kept collapsing, I couldn't walk down subway steps, etc. I started Orthovisc shots in the right knee and just added the left knee. I can now do squats and lunges, etc. (which they said would be totally impossible) with no pain thanks to Orthovisc shots every 6 months and regular exercise to build up muscles around the joints."
For Osteoarthritis "3rd injection of Orthovisc on 2-8-2021. Today and every day for the last week, I wake up and can barely walk. Have to carefully navigate up and down stairs. 62 YO male - always consider myself healthy and active. Knee was getting worse and slowing me a bit. Now I am distressed by the lack of improvement and actually being worse off. Calling doctor tomorrow to see what is up."
For Osteoarthritis "27 years old. ACL reconstruction in the left knee (quad tendon graft). Recently diagnosed with OA. Pain and stiffness were getting worse by the day as I have been increasing my activity for the past year playing basketball. I am currently on my second injection and have been pain-free ever since the first injection. My knee has become much more flexible and even stronger. No more crunchiness and stiffness. Orthovisc has simply been amazing and even life-changing for me."
For Osteoarthritis "I am a 72-year-old woman, previously very active - hiking daily, doing yoga daily. I fell and tore meniscus in three places. Four doctors have told me to do knee replacements, however, I have chosen to do Orthovisc - 4 shots every 6 months. As long as I do strengthening exercises, I am 90% pain-free, however, I cannot hike hills or mountains, and yoga is limited. I can swim and cycle. Since I know many with complications from knee surgeries, I will continue on this route. Mind you, I lead a very full life and am on my feet at least 9 hours a day."
For Osteoarthritis "I was in so much pain from my knees with arthritis, bone rubbing on bone - I had my first set of injections in April. It took a month or so to really feel the effects. No more pain and swelling when standing and doing house cleaning, etc. I had the second set 6 months later. I can go up and down stairs. I can do housework, gardening, and shopping with minimal pain. Best thing I ever did for myself."
For Osteoarthritis "While doing a twist in Zumba in January, I felt a pop and terrible pain in my knee. I was in great pain when walking for a month with a knee I have never had a problem with. When I went to the orthopedic doctor, he told me I was bone on bone and a candidate for knee surgery. I am 68 years old, very active, and have never been overweight. I was shocked at the diagnosis. Cortisone gave me no relief. Starting in March, I had one injection for 4 weeks with minimal relief. A month after the last shot (middle of May), I got out of bed with 90% relief and a bit more improvement for 5 to 6 days. It is now 5 months, and I am almost pain-free! I will have this again when it wears off."
For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis. I could not bend my knees. Walking was impossible. My Dr. discussed using the cortisone injections. They would help for a week or so, and then back to pain. Well, my Dr. discussed the Orthovisc injections. I'm on my 2nd injection and what a relief. There is some swelling after but nothing ice packs can take care of. I recommend these injections for me... they worked. Now hopefully they will help for 6 months... but I would certainly have them again."
For Osteoarthritis "I took my 2nd injection two days ago, and for the first time in two years, I can bend my left knee to a much greater degree. I feel very optimistic about playing tennis again. I was told that I am on bone and bone and needed a knee replacement. Go try this injection before considering surgery."
For Osteoarthritis "I have arthritis in both shoulders. It's a wear-and-tear issue as I'm 68 years old and have been exercising fanatically for 50 years. My orthopedic doctor recommended Orthovisc injections, and I have had great results. I wholeheartedly recommend Orthovisc. Some studies have shown that people facing replacement issues have been able to put off the surgery or even avoid it altogether when following a regimen of two series a year with Orthovisc."
For Osteoarthritis "I have had these shots 4 times now. They say the relief lasts about 6 months, but this last time I was able to go 11 months without a shot. I am working out every day and playing tennis again. Love it!"
For Osteoarthritis "I am 32 and have bad arthritis in my knee, basically bone on bone, the doctor says, but I'm way too young for a knee replacement. The doctor recommended the 4 Orthovisc injections every week for 4 weeks. Not going to lie, getting the shot itself was very uncomfortable. I have had 2 so far, and they have helped with pain, but it's getting the shots I don't like. They are helpful, but expect to feel discomfort during and for the few hours after the shot. My leg feels heavy until I 'walk it out.'"
For Osteoarthritis "I had meniscus tears in both knees almost 20 years ago. I've had knee pain ever since. I had the series of injections about two months ago, and my knees felt great for about five weeks. I don't know if it's wearing thin or what, but now I've got more pain than I ever had before the injections, and the pain is nearly 24/7. Makes me feel like there's some kind of scam involved, like they know that when it wears off, it will be worse due to getting used to less pain for a short time. I do NOT recommend it."
For Osteoarthritis "Just had two injections, one in each knee. The first of four injections. I am not feeling any pain at the moment, but they say this is only temporary, that it will take all four injections for the best relief. I will say that I only felt a slight prick of the needle and felt no pain whatsoever. Can't wait for the other three."
For Osteoarthritis "Started the series of 3 injections in each knee last November. I am in June, 8 months later. I felt a twinge a couple of times and have started the next series. It really has helped to ease the pain in my knees. I probably could go a month or so longer, but why wait till the pain gets bad... For me personally, it has been a godsend."
For Osteoarthritis "I obtained relief (from swelling, hot, painful knee joints) after religiously taking glucosamine-chondroitin and calcium for six months. I kept this up with good results until pain returned in May 2016. PCP referral to an orthopedic surgeon who took x-rays of my hip and both knees and told me there was virtually no cartilage left, bone grinding against bone and bone spurs near both knees. I got a cortisone shot in the one knee, then the following week in the other, and then after two weeks or so, started the Orthovisc 'gel' shots in my right knee-once per week for four weeks. The needle going into the knee was not bad, but the pressure of the gel filling the knee was uncomfortable, but only for a few seconds. Excellent relief after the third shot with good range of motion in the knee."
For Osteoarthritis "I got diagnosed with chondromalacia in both knees 7 years ago. Fast forward to the present, it's now osteoarthritis in both knees and clearly visible on x-ray. I got the Orthovisc shots for the first time this month. The shots are rather unpleasant, sure, but they are totally worth it. Your knees will be rather sore for the next 24 hours, but it's tolerable. I'm extremely pleased with the results. I had been taking Voltaren for a few years, and that only alleviated the worst of the symptoms. The stiffness from sitting long periods or waking up in the morning is almost completely gone. Stairs no longer hurt. I still have to ice my knees and experience some stiffness after workouts. Nothing will bring my old knees back, I guess."
For Osteoarthritis "Finally, after years of pain, inflammation, and not being able to bend my knee, my doctor suggested Orthovisc. He explained to me what it was, what it's for, what to expect, and without a doubt, I said yes! After being so miserable for so long, I figured I had nothing to lose. After the first injection, I had relief, finally! It was tender for the first day, after that, it was fine. I completed the three-week regimen, and I'm so glad I went for it! My knee feels great! I'm going for the other one starting next week. Thank you, Orthovisc, and thank you to my doctor. No pain, I can bend and walk pain-free!"
For Osteoarthritis "I've been getting Orthovisc knee injections for over 11 years, although not last year, 2015, due to no work time off. Recently moved to Charlottesville, VA, and just had my 3rd, final injection today, 8/4/2016 (good for 6 months). Found best orthopedic yet (I have a steel rod, torn ACL, no cartilage, bone on bone, bone spurs, left leg, started in '98 with broken tibia). The PA at UVA, Nick, best yet, yes, stings, and you feel the pressure of additional fluid for the first day. Well worth it and looking forward to wakeboarding next week, and longer hours on the slopes snowboarding this upcoming ski season. Makes a huge difference, and has always. I'm 51, too young for full knee replacement, and not sure I want to go through that anyway."
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