Orthovisc for Osteoarthritis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Fan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2019

"I had Orthovisc injections to my left knee a little over two years ago with seemingly good results, so I repeated them April-May 2018, but to both knees. What a mistake. Both of my knees have been stiff ever since, and my mobility has been significantly compromised, even a year later. Cortisone injections and therapy have given me very little relief. Now I will be having a knee replacement on my “good knee” next week. Both of my knees have taken a significant downward and irreversible spiral since the injections. I would not recommend them to anyone. It’s just not worth the risk. Now I need to have bilateral knee replacements."

• SBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 12, 2020

"I’m a 70-year-old woman who, a year ago, could not walk down stairs normally or bend my knee 90° because of a bone-on-bone patella. I first had a cortisone injection, which lasted about a month, and then went to three injections of Orthovisc. Because the doc first numbed my knee with lidocaine, I barely felt the injections under my kneecap. The relief has been tremendous! I must admit I did this in conjunction with physical therapy to increase range of motion and a lot of overall strength training. So I’m not sure what has been the most beneficial. All I know is I can now go down stairs normally, walk without pain, have better range of motion, and can run agility again with my dog. Thank goodness for Medicare, which covers it!"

• DFl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2019

"I had a cortisone injection at the end of May-great relief for 6-8 weeks! I just went through a series of Orthovisc...last injection was May 14. It is now June 4th...pain is unbearable. It's been three weeks, and I have had no relief...might be worse than before the injections."

• Mar...
• November 19, 2015

"I had my third shot on Nov. 11. So far, I am not impressed. Getting the shots did not hurt at all. Just a pinch, and I felt the fluid go in a little bit. Not a problem. I have no relief at all as of yet. My doctor did say that it can take up to a month after the third shot, which will be Dec. 11. I really hope that he is correct. My pain level is at least a 5 every day, and once a day shoots up to a 10. This is all after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus. My next course of action is total knee replacement. At 54, I did not expect this to happen. I am so disgusted. Just praying that the shots kick in soon. Not happy at this point."

• 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."

• pud...
• February 19, 2010

"I've been using Orthovisc for 3 years. The pain during injection was minimal, no biggie. For my last set of shots, I used another doctor. (Both doctors are rheumatologists.) The shots were very painful. Needless to say, next time I am going back to the first doctor for my next series. I know knee replacement is in the future for me (both knees), but so far I am having very good success with the Orthovisc, though I must admit that each time I do it, it’s not as successful as the last. Well, I guess that only stands to reason, but let's face it, with therapy and Orthovisc, I've been able to postpone surgery for 3 years and still counting."

• 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..❤"

• Lul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

"I have had a horrible experience with this medication. 3 shots and no relief! If anything, it has hurt more than I did before the injections. This medication might have helped others, but for me, it's been a nightmare! The stiffness and pain are unbearable. It hurt before... I regret doing this."

• Sev...
• August 19, 2010

"I'm a 41-year-old male, been playing volleyball for many years, and had a minor knee injury and went to the orthopedist to get it checked out. He said I had moderate osteoarthritis in both knees and gave me Orthovisc. One injection per week for 3 weeks, not too bad. A little pinch during the injections, but no pain afterward. After a few weeks, I noticed a lot less crunching in the knees and can squat normally again. I believe it has helped a lot, and I hope it continues! I also started taking cod liver oil (with meals) as I read this helps with joint repair and function. They're pretty cheap at any vitamin store. Good luck, and I hope this helps someone."

• Spo...
• May 10, 2017

"This has given me my life back! I have had these injections now for the past 4 years and would not be walking without them. The quality of the technician administering the shots is vital! The first few shots I received were incredibly painful (I almost fainted) and only lasted a couple of months. Apparently the technician got close...but didn't get all of the gel into the all-important knee capsule, and some got wasted. I went to another doctor who used an x-ray machine to verify that the fluid was going in exactly where it needed to go, and what a difference! Hardly any injection pain, and the shot lasted 7 months before I needed more."

• Hik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 5, 2018

"This is my 3rd time getting the Orthovisc injections. I have also had Synvisc, Uflexa, and Hyalgen in the past. The Orthovisc gives me the most relief out of all of them. My doctor uses a fluoroscope to ensure the needle is in the right place. He usually does a pain-free injection. If it does hurt, it’s minor and doesn’t last long. I make sure to ice my knees several times after each injection and take it easy for 48 hours. Within a few weeks of finishing the series, I am almost pain-free! I get the injections about every 6 months. I am hoping to avoid knee replacement by doing the injections. I’ve heard it’s possible, so I’m going for it. I really appreciate the Orthovisc for the quality of life I have with it."

• 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."

• 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!"

• BB4...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2015

"I had Synvisc injections in my knees last year, and they didn't seem to help much. This year, I got the Orthovisc injections, and they have really made my knee joints hurt much worse than before taking them."

• Ric...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2019

"I have been very active in many sports all my life. I am now 80, and for the last 30 years, I have played tennis 2 to 4 times a week. Eight months ago, my right knee was bone on bone, and I was having trouble maintaining my tennis regimen. So I had 3 shots of Orthovisc over 3 weeks, with remarkable results. The shots were minimally painful and worked like a charm, as I was soon back on the courts. It has now been almost 9 months, and I continue to be pain-free. My doctor has recommended another 3 shots, which I just started, to maintain my good results."

• the...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2013

"Have arthritis in my right knee. I kneel a lot, so my knee is always hurting. Had the shot done today. Five hours later, crazy to say, but my knee feels pretty good. Three more shots to go. Hopefully, this works, tired of the pain."

• COA...
• July 8, 2016

"Had my third shot today; bi-lateral. I have to say I have seen a major improvement in both knees. I would wake up at night and go to turn over; my lower leg would not move and my upper leg (above the knee) would pop and grind on the joint. When this happens now, I can feel the upper and lower joints cushioned by the Orthovisc. I felt relief about 3 weeks after the first set of shots. I am confident that after the 3rd set of shots I will have the pain relief I am looking for. I would recommend to anyone to give this a try before you have total knee replacement."

• Tat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 16, 2018

"Had three knee surgeries in 2005. Since then I have been getting injections the past seven years with Orthovisc. A great sports doctor surgeon gives them to me every six months. Lay around for two days with ice. Sure they hurt but not for long. It is touchy in the injection spot for three or so days. I get three over three weeks. I would say yes, doing this is better than surgery and months of rehab. I'm 63 now and plan on shots until they stop working on me. Doc told me I'm a record for her. Going into 13 years on injections since '05. OUCH LOL. But yes, Orthovisc is the ticket."

• 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."

• 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."

• ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2019

"Horrible experience with Orthovisc and a lot of $$$$. Had 3 shots, I feel worse now than before the injections. I received the injections for bone-on-bone knee arthritis. Not only is my knee swollen, my leg is swollen right down to my foot! The Dr. really should have mentioned the fact that this medication only has a 6.5 patient satisfaction rating. Instead, he said that we should be able to postpone knee replacement for a year or two (maybe longer). Now I have to wait 90 days after my last injection before we can schedule a knee replacement. I could have had my surgery and been on the road to recovery by now. My advice is to tell the Dr. NO if this is suggested to you."

• 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."

• Lip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2020

"I believe that more often than not, negative posts are more prevalent than positive posts on these feeds. I have had several 3-series gel injections and, before that, tried the single-dose injections. I get some relief from them, especially if it overlaps with a cortisone shot. By no means do they last 6 months. Yes, my knee is cranky after the shots. I think the second one is the worst. My knee does not catch as much. It takes a little time for the knee to get used to the fullness, and soreness subsides, but I get several months of relief after. I’m a candidate for full knee replacement, and I just haven’t committed to it yet. As my knee gets worse, the shots seem to get more uncomfortable. It’s a Band-Aid. Knee pain goes from a 9 to a 6 after."

• 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."

• Yde...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 8, 2015

"This is my third round of Orthovisc. My great fear was the pain during the injections as well as after. I got the first round last Monday. The first knee was killer! For the other knee, she used lidocaine-type medicine and then the Orthovisc. Easy peasy!!!!! I am eager to get back on my bike and ride until winter gives me no choice but to stay indoors. I am grateful for Orthovisc. I've had 3 years of success - although I do NOT recommend waiting a year between treatments. It was a bad decision for me."