Orthovisc for Osteoarthritis User Reviews

• Jenna
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2019

"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 stomacch. I Got my 1st Orthovisc injection in both knees 4 days ago, hte injections were nearly pain free, but the result is now I can barely walk. I seemed to be having 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?"

• Peep
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2019

"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, osteo arthritis, 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 awhile, 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."

• Shel
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2021

"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 I 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... way worse than after surgery pain. So it’s evening now. I’ve wrapped it, icing it, doing next to nothing because I cannot put any sort of weight in it without having extreme pain. Even now resting it... incredibly painful. I sure hope I’ve done the right thing."

• Mare
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 11, 2019

"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!"

• boopah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2014

"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 45 year old women. Played soccer since 3rd grade, high school, college and after. Since 2000 I've mainly only run. Jan 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 surprised at how much better the knee felt. Normally just walking I would have sharp pain on the outside of knee, after shot, I did not feel this. On day two after 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."

• Amaze...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2012

"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!"

• Josh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2013

"At age 72 I had 4 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 2 weeks upon completion of the 4 shots, my knees feel wonderful. An amazing treatment, give it some time to really start working."

• kmm
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2021

"3rd injection of Orthovisc on 2-8-2021. Today and everyday 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."

• Alston
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2020

"I am 74 years old, bone-on-bone both knees. Three years ago my fight leg kept collapsing, I couldn't walk down subway steps, etc. I started orthovisc shots in Right knee and just added 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."

• GYoonit
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2019

"27 yrs old. ACL reconstruction in left knee (quad tendon graft). Recently diagnosed with OA. Pain and stiffness was 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 as simply been amazing and even life-changing for me."

• cicci
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2012

"I am a72 year old woman previously very active hiking daily, yoga daily. I fell and tore minuscus in three places...4 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 exercise I am 90% pain free..however cannot hike hills or mountains and yoga is limited...but can swim and bicycle..Since I know so many with complications from knee surgeries....I will continue on this route. Mind you I lead a very full life and on my feet at least 9 hours a day...."

• great...
• December 4, 2015

"I was in so much pain from my knees with arthritis, bone rubbing on bone - I had my first set of injections in April. I took a month or so to really fell 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 house work, gardening, and shopping with minimal pain. Best thing I ever did for myself."

• Red...
• September 24, 2014

"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 Dr he told me I was bone on bone and a candidate for knee surgery. I am 68 yrs 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."

• annat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2014

"I have osteoarthritis. I could not bend my knees. Walking was impossible. My dr. Discussed using the cortizone 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 6mos. .. but I would certainly have them again."

• Citos
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2013

"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."

• Shoul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2014

"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 heartedly 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."

• Barb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2013

"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!"

• Amber...
• May 16, 2014

"I am 32 and have bad arthritis in my knee basicly bone on bone the Dr says, but I'm way to young for a knee replacement. The Dr recommended the 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 its 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 till I " walk it out"."

• jeep...
• May 27, 2014

"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, felt no pain what so ever...can't wait for the other three.."

• Will...
• January 17, 2014

"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."

• Alano
• June 19, 2019

"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.."

• 15yea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2016

"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 May 2016.PCP referral to orthopedic surgeon who took x-rays of my hip & both knees & told me there was virtually no cartilage left, bone grinding against bone & bone spurs near both knees. I got Cortisone shot in in the one knee, then following week in the other w then after 2 weeks or so, started the orthovisc "gel" shots in my right knee--once per week for 4 weeks. The needle going into knee was not bad, but, pressure of gel filling knee was uncomfortable, but only for a few seconds. Excellent relief after the 3rd shot w/ good range of motion in knee."

• Flavi...
• December 13, 2013

"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 xray. 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."

• Bernie...
• January 25, 2017

"Finally after years of pain, inflammation and not being able to bend my knee...my Dr. Suggested Orthovisc. He explained to me what is 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 3 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 Dr. No pain, I can bed and walk pain free!"

• Cindy...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 4, 2016

"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 first day. Well worth it and looking forward to wakeboarding next week, and longer hours on the slopes snowboarding this coming up 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."