Orthovisc for Osteoarthritis User Reviews (Page 2)

• gfo...
• February 9, 2018

"Orthovisc is like any injection: the injector is the key; not every doctor, esp. a PA, is a great injector; I had horrible knee pain at night, took MRI, had a torn meniscus, flap tear, and I guess some arthritis; anyway, did my four injections with a great orthopod, who uses ultrasound guidance while injecting; as I remember, the first round of four was okay; had a second round of four and have been totally pain-free for over three years. So that's my story. Be very, very careful about the doctor you are working with. Read the above about the man with bone-on-bone; my girlfriend, after surgery, was bone-on-bone and was told she would never play tennis again; she went on Orthovisc for the last nine years, and is still playing singles. She is 73."

• 48 ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2017

"Osteoarthritis in the right knee eventually led to bone on bone. After my last scope in November 2015, the pain persisted to where I had a steroid injection. It relieved some of the pain for 2 months (considered non-effective according to FDA), then the excruciating pain returned. The last nonsurgical option was Orthovisc, which all 3 injections were very painful. I didn't experience relief until 2-3 weeks after the last injection. I have been pain-free, with an occasional very brief episode (seconds) of some pain. Now it's October 2017, and it's been wearing off. But 12 months' worth of no pain was definitely worth it. So glad I toughed it out!"

• JYS...
• September 7, 2017

"I found the reviews helpful. In March, I had a shot of cortisone in my right knee. It was effective for 5 months. When my pain returned, the doctor recommended Orthovisc. I had 3 treatments, each a week apart. I had relief after a few days, but it didn't last. I had the final injection on August 30th. It really hurt, and I was light-headed afterwards and could hardly walk. The PA that gave me the last treatment had me rest until I felt OK to walk and drive. He told me to mark 3 weeks on the calendar, at which time I would feel no pain. (Did that mean I would be dead?!) After 8 days, I am almost pain-free! Now to see how long it lasts."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2017

"Had my first injection 18 months ago. 1st injection of the series was no pain, 2nd of the series extreme pain, swelling, stiffness, 3rd injection no pain. I had no real knee pain for 18 months, remained active with Pilates, hiking, walking, circuit training. Pain started again in June 2017, started injections again in September, 1st injection no pain, next day no swelling but a few twinges. I hope I get another 18 months or more. Had surgery 2 years ago, knee remains stable right now, goal is to avoid any surgery from now on."

• Cin...
• August 4, 2017

"I've been getting Orthovisc injections for 12 years. I'm 52, just had the first of 3 again this am. Makes a big difference for me, and has. Tried another brand, 3 shots in one, yikes, and didn't last. Yes, the 3rd shot is more painful, and yes, feels a bit wobbly at first after each injection but it's gone within a day. Still snowboarding, hiking, paddle boarding, wakesurfing more than wakeboarding (that is impact). Thank you for Orthovisc. PS, side note, have a reputable orthopedic with great PAs who mostly do the injections. It can go crazy painful bad with that long needle."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 30, 2017

"I am 86, in good health and play tennis twice a week. The bone-on-bone problem started about 5 years ago, and the Orthovisc has been a blessing. I heard about its effectiveness in only 50% of people treated and am so glad it's working for me. No problem with the injections. I can feel when I need another shot - probably about 8 months."

• SNO...
• September 29, 2016

"I had these injections two years ago in my right knee. I have been pain-free, but my left leg also started with the same symptoms recently. So I went back to my doctor, got my confirmation I was a candidate, and I just finished my third injection today. I must say it's helped me regain 100% control again. Thank you so much..❤"

• Cin...
• 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 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."

• 15y...
• 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 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."

• Myb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 26, 2016

"I was told at 32 I needed a knee replacement in both knees due to a birth defect in both knees. A group of doctors wanted to try this new drug on me. At the time, it was a series of 5 shots. I could barely walk and was in a lot of pain. Couldn't get out of my car and was being shocked so bad I was being thrown to the floor. I tried the injections (which aren't pleasant), but what a blessing. The pain stopped after the 3rd shot and I was back to doing all the things I loved. They lasted about 2 1/2 to 3 years. I am 52 now and about to take another round of the miracle shots. The last ones kept me going almost 4 years. Thank you for creating it."

• for...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2016

"I just had my first injection in both knees a few days ago. When I came home from the clinic, I ran down to the basement to get something and noticed right away my knees felt better. I had really bothersome aching in my knees at night, that is gone. So far, I am very impressed."

• PMM...
• January 23, 2016

"Love this treatment! I had immediate relief and no side effects. Shots were painless. It's been 3 years since my last series of Orthovisc. I'm back to exercising with no knee pain."

• Roc...
• January 1, 2016

"I've been getting the injections in both knees for several years from my ortho and have experienced some relief from the pain in my knees. Both the doctors and MAs on staff are extremely proficient in performing the procedures, and I have never had any discomfort during the procedure. I have also been diagnosed with 'end-osteoarthritis' in both shoulders and look forward to receiving the injections to either put an end to or reduce the pain that I experience."

• 1wi...
• August 12, 2015

"First shot today! I can walk up and down the stairs without holding on! Yeah! Pain 90% better than this morning!"

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2015

"Bone spur with osteoarthritis and severe pain in my left knee before I began the 3 injections. Received the last of the 3 today. I am amazed at this treatment. I am noticing a difference, and it is huge. I went from using a cane to walking on my own, pain-free."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2015

"I'm 58 and have osteoarthritis in both knees but have moderate pain in my right knee. My ortho doctor recommended the typical 3 weekly injections for the right knee and said realistically they were around 50% effective. I just finished the third injection yesterday and went from a 3-4 pain level to zero pain. I can now walk normally without a limp. Wow... what a difference! The injections were not painful, just a little pressure and took around 1-2 minutes to complete. I highly recommend trying at least the first injection. If there's no relief, don't bother with the remaining. Fortunately, insurance covered all but $50 for the Orthovisc prescription plus my office co-pay. Can't wait to get back to a good exercise routine."

• ann...
• 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 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."

• 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 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."

• Men...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 26, 2013

"Had my left knee meniscus removed 30 years ago. I was told then, 'If you don't have it removed, you will get arthritis when you are older.' Well, I have mild to moderate arthritis now anyway. Had my first series of injections in May of 2012. After 4 weeks, I was 99% pain-free for 8 months. Had the second series in March of 2013. Both times, the middle shot was painful for a couple of hours and then sore for two days. No issues with the other 4 shots. With the start of snowboard season, I am looking at doing my third series."

• Bar...
• 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!"

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2013

"Dr. gave me a numbing shot first, then followed with the injection. I've felt great relief, and I have been pain-free for a few years. I've had ACL recon, meniscus, etc., and this was the next step! I'm thankful to have the option as I don't want to just swim, I want to continue with soccer, paintball, etc. If you can afford it and/or have insurance, I highly recommend it. Ask for the numbing shot before, as my Dr. said most orthopedic Drs don't do that."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2012

"Had my first injection today. No big deal at all. After reading all kinds of reviews, I was anticipating a rough experience. In and out of the office in 20 minutes, then off to work."

• PR-...
• August 19, 2011

"It's 9 days before Ironman Louisville, and I just had my second shot. I'm 33 and ran 10 marathons last year, and this year I'm feeling it. I have received the steroid shots in the past, but two weeks ago got the first Orthovisc shot. That was on a Friday, and I swam 2.4 miles and biked 70 with no pain. This week I've run over 20 miles, one 13-mile run, and am still feeling good. The shot was no big deal - I just put ice on my knee the hour before I went in and right after, and this helped. I didn't need any assistance walking after - it just feels a little swollen. Oh well - time to go run!"

• Tam...
• May 19, 2011

"I was diagnosed with lupus 4 years ago and have been living in constant pain. My knees have been the worst, especially my right knee. I was offered the Orthovisc injections for the first time in May 2011. I just received my 3rd injection, and I could tell immediately after the first one my knee was 95% better. I cannot express how good it feels to walk pain-free for the first time in 4 years. I was near using a wheelchair every time I had to leave the house. I am so happy, looking forward to seeing how long it lasts. My back quit hurting as well, due to knee pain changing my gait causing back pain! I wish I had known about this sooner! I would recommend this to anyone. I'm so thrilled to feel like I used to and to be able to function."

• Ban...
• April 27, 2011

"I am 48 years old with osteoarthritis in both knees. Had my first injection of a series of 4 weekly, then will go to twice a year. I can already tell a tremendous difference. Was able to do over 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and recumbent bike each for the past week with no pain. Amazing. The injections pinch a little bit, but probably won't this week as the doctor advised me to not overdo it the day before. If you are considering this treatment plan, I think you will be happy with the results. I am."