I had the injection 4 days ago and the usual knee pain persists !
Synvisc-One - How long after getting the injection of Synvisc will the knee pain begin to subside?
Question posted by Jackiebert on 8 June 2014
Last updated on 31 August 2023 by 4Farha
13 Answers
4Farha
31 Aug 2023
I Never had any problems with my left knee—never went to any doctor for the pain, just a little discomfort so decided before it got worse, to cover it with a gel lubricant. I received 3 Synvisc injections and after the third on May 23, 2023 I started having excruciating pain from the back of my knee (which is now stiff) down by my calf and into my ankle. It seem warm, red and swollen. My doctor prescribed steroids but it did not help. I take 800 mg of ibuprofen and Advil.
I can hardly walk for five minutes when it flares up. Was there a bacteria in the Synvisc shot? Or was it administered into the wrong part of my left knee? I wonder. I waited two months in pain and now I scheduled a cortisone shot mid Sept. WHY ISNT SYNVISC TAKEN OFF THE MARKET?
I h received 3 Orthovisc shots in the past in my right knee, with no side effects. My Doctor mentioned that they were the same—-—I think NOT. He should have he checked the internet before suggesting Synvisc.….
Snowy2016
3 May 2019
I have had synvisc shots for years. This time I had the 1 shot. The pain was beyond anything I have ever endured, and I had 2 spinal headaches. Couldnt bend my knees had to stand to pee. Excruciating. Doctor told me 1 shot too thick for my knees. It will take at least 4 days to function somewhat normally. Today is 3rd day and I'm in pain but can go out. When shot settles in it usually lasts 2 years. I can't even imagine what replacement is like.
dee2deedee
3 Feb 2019
In 2013 had a Synvisc-One injection in my knee (osteoarthritis) and the relief was almost immediate! By the time I walked out to the waiting room in the Dr.s office I felt like I had a brand new knee! A total miracle and it has lasted nearly 6 years! Just a couple of months back I started experiencing pain, again. So back to the Orthopedic practice, new Dr. (the 1st one has since retired) new xrays - still bone on bone. 3 days ago I had another injection of Synvisc-One. Totally DIFFERENT experience this time. This Dr. literally pushed the gel into my knee in less then a minute and it left a big lump on the outside of my knee where it hasn't absorbed. The 1st Dr. told me that it would take him some time to complete the injection because of the thickness of the product. It took him nearly 5 minutes and apparently the gel self leveled as he injected it.
This time there was intense pain, could not stand on my leg for 20 minutes and could barely make it to my car! Now, 3 days later knee is still stiff and am having trouble walking but this Dr. told me it would take 2 weeks for it to settle in. The lump of gel has reduced by maybe half so I am hopeful that as each day passes I will see a difference. One thing: The pain in my knee is totally gone but it is just the stiffness that I am dealing with now. So, if you are reading this because you are considering Synvisc-One it really is a game changer but I would warn you to ask your Dr. to inject the gel very s-l-o-w-l-y. It is alot less painful and I'm sure it self-levels more quickly.
Sis1979
4 Nov 2017
I'm on my second injection. Got the first one back in April, got the last one on Wednesday. I currently cannot walk because my knee is so swollen and painful. This didn't happen with the first injection. I'm wondering if I had some kind of reaction to the second injection. My Ortho has me on a medrol pak to help with the swelling. We'll see if it gets any better
Utsav0104
23 May 2018
My grandmother aged about 88 got the jel injection 15 days back... one week into the injection she was in severe pain and it has still not subsided by any ounce... is this a side reaction of the jel injection... can it can be expected that the pain will gradually subside in the next few days?
Pepper1311
13 Oct 2017
Had Synvisc One in both knees yesterday. No side effects. Right knee seems better already. Left knee no change. Great deal of wear on lateral side left knee, wear on right knee on anterior part. If doesn’t work, scope to clean L knee put. Yes only short term fix, but will help till worn out for replacement.
Lisa01
14 Oct 2017
It seems to work that way sometimes. Although I wouldn't give up hope for your left knee yet. Relief can often take several weeks to come. I had 5 arthroscopic surgeries on my right knee before having the replacement. I have to admit the surgeries did help my pain levels. Having worn/torn cartilage removed, trimmed and smoothed out, plus having old scar tissue removed really did help for a while. Unfortunately my arthritis eventually just completely ate away all the cartilage until I was walking bone on bone. At that point my insurance wouldn't pay for any more injections or arthroscopic surgeries since it was apparent that only a replacement would bring any kind of long term relief. The replacement was actually much easier than I anticipated. I had a physical therapist that would have rivaled Atilla the Hun, but he did get me to having completely free range of motion (most Dr's are satisfied with 80-85%). So if having a replacement looks to be in your future, just know that it's probably not nearly as bad in reality as it is in your imagination!
Rick78
22 April 2017
I'm 57 and have a knee that's best described my my ortho surgeon buddy as a "junk" knee. 55% of my meniscus is gone. 25 years ago I had my knee filet'd with ACL and part torn meniscus. 2 years ago I had that same knee scoped. After less than satisfactory results I tried Synvisc (3 shots in 3 weeks) on 4/2016. After every injection I had some pain swelling and discomfort but wanted to give it a chance. Well, 6 weeks after my first injection I was pain free and continued to be that way for another 10 months (while walking 21-25 miles a week) until early March 2017 of this year when I noticed that my left knee was waking up. Therefore, I called my ortho friend and this week I started another series of 3 weekly shots. I am expecting the same results as the last year.
Even though I may need a knee replacement in 4-5 years, I'll put it off as long as I can because The medical technology just keeps getting better and better. Likewise, there are companies in medical trials in the USA right now that have a procedure for "tweeners" like me that replaces just the meniscus between the bones instead of a total knee replacement. Granted, that may be for younger amateur athletes but I wanna stay active and pain free well into my 90's. (No typo) So, my experience with Synvisc has been outstanding so far. Every knee is different and every person is different (age, weight, height, knee deterioration, joint trauma etc) results will vary if you are over weight or almost all
of your meniscus is gone.
Injection1
19 Aug 2017
job the club - hate it 4 weeks in and I feel like I've been bashed I with a baseball bat.
Rick78
20 Aug 2017
Here an update. I had the 3 injections again over 3 weeks. By the 5th week (May 26th) I was pain free again. Here we are on August 19th and I am virtually pain free in the synvisc knee. Looking forward to another 6 months of relief and hoping medical technology gets even better!
I wish that all who try Synvisc would have the same positive results that I have had. I really depends on the person, the knee damage, age, weight and activity of that same person.
Ddault
8 Sep 2017
Does it help to walk more even with pain after the synvisc injection. I had it 3 weeks ago and still having a lot of pain.
RosalieE
4 March 2018
Great to here this. I am the same... a tweener... Synvisc has kept me active... with a similar story like yours (torn meniscus. 6 years ago I had that same knee scoped. I started injections last year and love that i can continue with walking daily. I am too young for knee replacement (56) and am grateful for this procedure. I hope to hang in there until technology gets better and want to keep moving...
Utsav0104
23 May 2018
My grandmother aged about 88 got the jel injection 15 days back... one week into the injection she was in severe pain and it has still not subsided by any ounce... is this a side reaction of the jel injection... can it can be expected that the pain will gradually subside in the next few days?
ecsp1956
17 Feb 2017
I had the Synvisc-One injection 2 weeks ago.The MRI of my knee revealed damage to bone on bone but not entirely. It just feels weak at times, to the point it might give out, if I push it. I have not done any exercise, including walking, for over 4 months. Will a daily walk, slowly progressing in distance be advisable at this time.
Don62
alfred crilly
5 Oct 2016
I opted to have all 3 injections at once because my doc would not be available for the recommended 1 week interval. i have massaged my knee regularly as recommended by my doc. One week later i am still experiencing pain in the back of my knee. this pain get more sever as I walk. rest seems to help but when I start walking again the pain starts again. I have no excessive swelling , I have been applying ice and taking anti inflammatory drugs that were prescribed by doc. Is it normal for the pain to last this long? I have an anthritic knee that is why I needed the injections. Prior to the injections I had pain but not as severe as the present pain.
Angel 12
14 July 2018
Had Synvcs one on 4/30/218 both knees. No relief. Stiff knees,
Little fluid, little swelling. Very painful when walking. Using Cane.
Feel nauseous in morning, does pass after breakfast.
Doctor said remove fluid ,no would only come back in a
couple of days.
He put the injection in the middle of top knee?
marinajohnson26
15 July 2018
I had my knee injection almost 2 months ago and itis a living hell. My knee feel horrible, the swelling is huge and it is hard to walk. Does anybody experienced anything like that, what did you do? How long did it lasted?
Roberta72
16 Nov 2015
I had the injection October 19th, 2015, was told by my doctor it would take 8 to 12 weeks after the injection before some relief is restored to knee, depending on the severity of pain from Arthritis.
Myteam21
23 July 2015
I had the Synvisc put into my shoulder. I was wondering do you think it will have the same effects as the knee has? I had the injection 3 days ago and I am still having pain. They doctor told me it would take about 3 weeks to work, but this by far was the worst injection I have ever had!!!
Lisa01
24 July 2015
Synvisc injections are more painful than other injections since the fluid is thick as opposed to thin. Regular movement will help disperse the fluid throughout the joint and help cushion the joint. Try and have some patience and things will get better soon
Myteam21
24 July 2015
Thank you!!! I will continue to do my at home therapy to try and get things moving and dispersed!!!
vlaugtug
25 March 2017
I had synvisc one injected into my shoulder 6 days ago. the pain has increased substantially to the point where I am unable to use that arm. Has anyone experienced this before and if so, how long did it take for that to rectify? Myteam21, did you experience any relief from your injection in the long term?
Injection1
19 Aug 2017
Girl that sounds horrible horrible horrible horrible it's been 4 weeks for me and my knees and it still hurts I am ready to flip the script.
Injection1
19 Aug 2017
Girl that sounds horrible horrible horrible horrible it's been 4 weeks for me and my knees and it still hurts I am ready to flip the script.
Ginger42
2 Feb 2015
I had my first shot of Synvisc I in my left knee Jan. 29, 2015... today is Sunday that will make it last Thursday... I picked up some turmeric One Daily Capsules by Solaray (for inflammation) and I didn't have the pain and swelling my doctor warned me about. Cut your salt intake. I also heard that Ginger is good for inflammation... make a ginger tea or add the ginger to your favorite tea. I think if you get your inflammation down you should feel better. If you are carrying extra weight that is also a factor on your knees... make adjustments where necessary.
901daphine
18 Feb 2017
I receive the first injection on Friday 2/17/18 and still having severe pain! I take turmeric capsules daily but still wondering will this pain truly subside! Should I by pass the injections and have a MRI and think about a knee replacement, the pain is severe, not even painmedication is helping! Taking 50 mg Tramadol but it was causing insomnia but I must chose a little relief in painover sleep! In a bad fight to decide what avenue to take! I need relief I have a sick husband with cancer, I recently have gotten help but this is causing me emotional discomfort and physical discomfort too! Icing knee now, using Ben Gay and pain pills, trying everything to get relief! Just a little, I do have a high pain tolerance but this is about to beat me down!
901daphine
18 Feb 2017
I receive the first injection on Friday 2/17/18 and still having severe pain one day later! I take turmeric capsules daily but still wondering will this pain truly subside! Should I by pass the injections and have a MRI and think about a knee replacement, the pain is severe, not even painmedication is helping! Taking 50 mg Tramadol but it was causing insomnia but I must chose a little relief in painover sleep! In a bad fight to decide what avenue to take! I need relief I have a sick husband with cancer, I recently have gotten help but this is causing me emotional discomfort and physical discomfort too! Icing knee now, using Ben Gay and pain pills, trying everything to get relief! Just a little, I do have a high pain tolerance but this is about to beat me down!
Injection1
19 Aug 2017
You sound like me using turmeric Tramadol eyes nothing is helping these shots are horrible.
SKP1956
4 March 2018
I am bone on bone. Not sure I am a good candidate for knee replacement as I have diseased veins and lymphedema in my legs. Please please please, I need updates on all of you who had the Synvisc injections. I know some of these comments are old, some not so old. Anyone please, while initially some of you were in alot of pain, did it end up helping eventually? I'm suppose to have my first injection in April of 2018 and I've heard more bad than good. I hope someone can reply! Thanks so much!
Dorothyoz
23 Aug 2014
I had the same injection 6 days ago and I'm in severe pain. So I wondered the same question. I thought this was a wonder drug, the answer to me walking again without pain, but instead, I'm worse off than before. Good luck to you, and I wish I knew how things worked out for you.
Roberta72
16 Nov 2015
Hi Dorothyoz, 6 days is not enough time for injection to work, be patient like they told me and I am sure it will be good give it about a month or more. Good Luck.
Logansport1
12 April 2017
I was struck with osteoarthritis symptoms in knee last summer. I'm doing the 3 synvisc injections now, just finished #2. The first one gave me a big reaction, but maybe since I stood on my feet during the day, and he also mixed with with a cortisone shot which I requested, unfortunately.
The biggest plus I have discovered so far for PAIN, is "Terry Naturally Curamin xtra strength". Look it
up, it is an all natural, Turmeric product, no side effects. Hope it helps you like it is me, cause I usually get into much pain by about 1 or 2 pm, daily. THis totally or 95% erases the pain with no
drugs, no side effects.
from Shirley
Injection1
19 Aug 2017
How is your pain now - I had the shot on the 26th had my knee drained twice and it is now the 19th of August and I am in excruciating pain will never get another shot of nothing again.
Freeasair
10 Nov 2017
I too am much worse painwise. I wonder if it is worth it?Agony in both knees, and can hardly walk.
Foxie12
5 June 2018
I've had the injection twice and can tell a difference and will be taking the third the next day hopefully that will tell the difference.
Lisa01
9 June 2014
Synvisc is usually given in a series of 3 injections. You should avoid any type of heavy or intense exercise for at least 48 hours after each injection. You can apply ice to your knee to help with any residual pain and swelling. While a few people have experienced marked pain reduction after just one injection, it generally takes all three injections to get significant results. Synvisc is a thick, almost gel-like substance. That's why you get it in a series instead of one injection. After each injection, the natural movement of your knee will help move and disburse the fluid to where it's needed. Three injections will allow the fluid to build up and provide an even thicker cushion in your joint. So try and be patient. You'll should feel less pain after the next injection and, hopefully, significant pain relief after the last one. I do hope this helps!
Lisa
Lisa01
9 June 2014
I should add, I was able to delay my total knee replacement by almost 3 years by having 3 sets of synvisc injections. The first set lasted about a year, the second about 9 months and the third about 3-4 months. But my arthritis was very severe when I started the first set so yours may last longer.
The replacement wasn't anywhere as bad as I expected. If that's an option you're thinking about, and you have questions, please feel free to ask me. I'll be happy to answer anything that I can.
Lisa
Inactive
9 June 2014
Hi Lisa,
Two ortho doctors said I need a knee replacement, but I am not so sure I will be able to do the exercises required after the surgery as I am in a wheelchair. Do you think those injections would help if I've had 3 arthroscopic surgeries or do you think I would be able to do some of the exercises required after the new knee?
Lisa01
9 June 2014
Hi Pamee! I would certainly ask about the injections. What could it hurt just to ask? As for the replacement, a good deal of the exercises are done in either a sitting or lying down position. I'm sure that your PT could be tailored to your situation. With either choice you should be able to find some relief. Let me know how it goes!
Lisa
Inactive
9 June 2014
Thank you! I see my doc next month so I will let them know about the injections. I will let you know if they go for that. Here in Calif many specialty doctors like to do the surgerys as more money in it for them lol. I will see what the Ortho says. Thank you again!
Roberta72
19 Nov 2015
Lisa01
I have bad Artritis in my right knee, I fell a few times on it. Decided to go to an Ortho Doctor. He gave me Cortisone Shot only worked for 3.5 weeks, pain came back like a vegence. He then decided to do Syncvic Shot, had 3 injections the pain for the first two was horrific, third no pain at all. Now it is five weeks of third shot and I am having very little relief, some burning/ache feeling followed by stiffness, knee gets swollen a lot when I move around. Was told it will take 8 to 12 weeks for pain to subside, when I ask this to my doctor he tells me that by now should feel better why would someone say 8-12 weeks before relief and then say should feel better by 5. Very concerning on my part. Please tell me your opinion on this.
donnac123
1 Feb 2017
Lisa, I had my 3rd injection 6 days ago and am in severe pain, the 1st one there was a bit of discomfort and swelling but lasted only for about 2 days, the second was the same, so not sure what to think of this one, my pain seems to be the opposite with each injection, should I be concerned, please advise.Thank You In Advance
Lisa01
1 Feb 2017
It's possible that the Dr nicked a nerve while giving the injection. Really painful, but nothing you can do. It just needs a bit of time to settle back down. I found that the 3rd shot was often the most painful since you're adding the last of the fluid to an already tight space. Ibuprofen, ice and gentle movement to disburse the fluid should help. If the pain and swelling continue for more than 3-4 days you should contact your Dr.
Freeasair
10 Nov 2017
I had a 1st injection in both knees 4-5 weeks ago. Osteoarthritis in both very, very painful, bone on bone. I am still in extreme pain and can hardly walk with 2 crutches. I live in Ireland and cannot have knee replacements until I lose 3 stone weight. I hoped I could get some relief even after the first injections. I would love to hear, both good and bad, the long term results of other people's experiences, after they finished their treatments. I know this thread goes a long way back. Thankyou.
Utsav0104
23 May 2018
My grandmother aged about 88 got the jel injection 15 days back... one week into the injection she was in severe pain and it has still not subsided by any ounce... is this a side reaction of the jel injection... can it can be expected that the pain will gradually subside in the next few days?
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synvisc, pain, knee joint replacement, injection, synvisc-one, knee, knee pain
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