Orthovisc for Osteoarthritis User Reviews (Page 5)

• deb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 14, 2017

"I got my last of 4 Orthovisc injections 4 days ago. The 1st two injections didn't even feel. The 3rd was intense and painful, and the 4th even more intense, and I felt the doctor moving the needle. He said he was having a hard time finding the spot! Very, very intense. But I made it. Note: after the 2nd shot and right before the 3rd shot, was walking better and bending knee and no pain. After the 3rd and 4th, still have the issue of not bending knee when I walk and taking ibuprofen 800 mg 2 times a day. I have 2 tears in my left meniscus and bone spurs and a Baker's cyst, also have osteoarthritis! The doctor has been saying total knee replacement right from the start. I am at times walking better, and the pain only really hurts when I am due for my next meds."

• 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."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2015

"After years of experience dealing with back problems, I had assumed my knee pain was from the pain radiating down my leg and into my knee. I was actually surprised to hear the diagnosis of severe arthritis. My orthopedic doctor did all three Orthovisc injections in the same visit. In two weeks, the improvement was remarkable! The benefits lasted through six to seven months. Due to changes in insurance, my cost jumped from $50 to $650 (for Orthovisc only to be delivered to the doctor’s office, not including the actual procedure), and it's a struggle, but I can definitely say it's worth every penny!"

• Chr...
• June 22, 2015

"I have had Orthovisc every 16-24 months for pain in my knees (osteoarthritis). It seems to really work a couple of weeks to a month after the last of the three injections. I think the main reason is my knees are healing from the multiple injections. I use ice on my knees on post-injection days one through four after walking over 2 miles. Ice seems to help relieve the ache. I always start to feel better on Day Six, and the next day I start this all over again. It does help me. I go from barely walking 2 miles total a day to around 4. My swelling never totally goes away in my knees, although, I think about the pain less. I used to get the injections for free, but this time UnitedHealthcare PPO was $400, and you can ask to split payment over 4 months."

• mb6...
• April 9, 2015

"At my first three injections on my right knee, it didn't work right away, but now, two weeks after, what a relief in pain from a 10 to a 2. Now I asked to do my left knee, I can't bend it when I walk. Hope it works, then I won't limp when I walk. Excited."

• Amb...
• May 16, 2014

"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.'"

• Faa...
• January 30, 2014

"It's been 5 weeks since I had my 3rd injection. I still feel sharp pains every 3rd step, but nowhere near the pain I had."

• 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."

• Cit...
• 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."

• Ama...
• 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!"

• Lyn...
• April 24, 2011

"I have a meniscus tear in my left knee which hasn't bothered me much until this year due to all the shoveling I had to do. My knee was aching with sharp pain for weeks, which led me to my doctor. He gave me a shot of cortisone, which didn't do much. He spoke to me about Orthovisc, which is a series of 3 shots within 3 weeks consecutively. I had the first shot last week, which wasn't too bad. After the shot, I had pain for a couple of days, it really didn't feel like I was getting any relief. I went back for the second shot 2 days ago. I had pain for the day, and now today, 2 days later, I have no pain at all. Nothing. My pain is gone. This medication is definitely working for me. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND these shots for everyone with knee pain."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 5, 2009

"I just had my second injection on 12/2-one more on 12/9. The first injection was very painful, and my knee was sore for two days. The second injection did not hurt at all, and my knee was fine immediately after. This knee pain has been going on for two years, and I finally have relief. I'm just hoping it lasts longer than six months. I would definitely advise anybody who has this problem to at least try it. It is working for me!"

• 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."

• Sho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

"My knee pain was an 8 for the last several months. The first injection was a 10 on the pain scale. After several days, I did notice more flexibility and less pain. My knee improved each day. The second injection was easy and painless. The relief was not as noticeable as the first. Today I received the third injection and the worst pain. I had to stay in the office with an ice pack. Walking was difficult. The pain has eased, and I am hoping for great success."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2022

"I had my first shot of Orthovisc, little swelling but so far so good. But the bad part is I developed some irregular heartbeats and shortness of breath for 4 days. I was not sure if it would come from this shot. Had my second shot a week later, the same thing happened, I asked my doctor about this and he had no answer. I don't know, there is no caffeine in it. So next week I will get my 3rd shot. Has anybody experienced this also?"

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2018

"I'm 45 and have been told I will eventually need a double knee replacement. Had a meniscus tear repair on my right knee a year ago (knee still hurts) and now have a tear in my left knee. Cortisone injections didn't last. Finished my last shot of a series of 3 Orthovisc last Friday (injections were very painful), and I have no relief at all. I would say since getting the shots my knees are worse. I can't stand more than 5 minutes without them both hurting terribly, lots of swelling and trouble sleeping. I've been told it can take up to 6 weeks for the shots to provide relief, I'm hoping I see relief sooner than that."

• Hie...
• April 1, 2018

"I have two shots two weeks in a row. The first one I felt relief in about 3-4 days. My second shot was nearly a week ago, and I am in pain around the area of the injection. If this pain was gone, I’d be feeling much better than 2 weeks ago. Not sure if the injection was too soon after the first or if I tensed up or some other reason. The area above my kneecap is swollen, and the area around the injection site is a bit inflamed and tender. Wondering if anyone has had this issue. My next shot is in a week and considering waiting longer."

• YCA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 14, 2016

"Due to financial burden with the office visit copays, I had no alternative other than to receive the three weeks of Orthovisc all in one day for both knees. I'm in excruciating pain! Has anyone experienced the same when all administered? Not only was it just one knee, it was both!! How long does this pressure and stiffness last? Overall I can't feel any difference yet on my bone-on-bone pain. Hoping I can say later down the road that it has helped. I almost wanted to pass out, I had received numbing medication and spray as well. It was brutal!"

• Squ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2016

"Recently was told I needed both knees replaced, but should try 4 Orthovisc injections. Had 3 so far, beginning 3 weeks ago. First shot alleviated severe day-to-day walking pain. Am waiting to see if my condition improves much beyond where it is after all 4. Had no pain or swelling with any shots."

• Sha...
• June 12, 2015

"I am a 45-year-old female with moderate right knee osteoarthritis, which feels severe because I have bone-on-bone right hip osteoarthritis. I have tried cortisone before, which worked great, but it seems osteoarthritis increased when the cortisone wore off over a very short time. I was desperate to try another therapy for my knee since I have always been active, but lately, stairs and long stints of walking are extremely hard for me. I tried Orthovisc for my knee in the last month: 3 shots, 1 every 7 days for 3 weeks. The first shot was okay - 2nd shot: I felt great after a week - the third shot was painful and took a little longer to recover. I'm assuming the 3rd shot was most painful due to soreness at the injection site. I notice the achiness during rain has gone away."

• Ten...
• November 19, 2014

"I have knee osteoarthritis. Medium to severe, with severe meaning I need to go down stairs one at a time. I am an active tennis player and have been for over 40 years. I am almost bone on bone. I did not feel the discomfort of the shots was any big deal. A little pinch or pressure, but nothing really. I made a concerted effort not to play tennis during the four-week period of the injections. After the fourth week, my knee pain went from a 7 to a 2. I was amazed and could walk down stairs with NO pain. A week later, buoyed by how great my knees felt, I went out and played three hard sets of doubles. Some discomfort after playing. Maybe up to a 4 in pain. Played a couple more times, and now I feel like I am right back where I started."

• Anonymous
• July 10, 2011

"Be positive. If you're in your forties when your pain starts, you are very, very lucky. I'm 24. So far, I have had one shot in each knee. They were both painful, but nothing I can't handle because let's face it, we're getting these painful shots because we have a yet more painful condition. In the end, mine were fine, but my doctor did use Lidocaine, which he injected first. I have already had the cortisone injections, and trust me, these Orthovisc ones start working a lot faster (but you really get out your cane the first two days after the shot, I warn you)."

• Cap...
• December 5, 2009

"I completed the third shot in the series on Thursday before Thanksgiving. After the first and second shots, I experienced about a 90% reduction in pain and did not need to take any pain medication at all. After the third shot, I started experiencing more pain again and needed to start using pain medication again. I am hoping it goes back to the 90% with no pain medication."

• gol...
• December 3, 2009

"Just had the third shot today (12/3/09). I think I noticed a little improvement after the second shot, we will see how I feel in a few days. I am sick of my knee hurting at age 59."