Orthovisc and Stiffness: What Users Say

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I got three injections, a week apart. The first two didn't hurt at all, but I got the third one from a different doctor, and it hurt. After the first injection, my knee felt swollen on the inside and stiff, it got worse with each new injection. I used to have pain pretty much only when I went on the stairs or twisted the wrong way. Now, it feels swollen in the joint and on my leg, from a few inches above the knee to a few inches below the knee. Like I am wearing a super tight bandage. The pain has increased to the point it is really painful to go up or down the stairs, and even at night, lying in bed, it's hard to find a comfortable position because it feels like someone is drilling into my knee."

• gma...
• December 14, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Knee is much worse than before Orthovisc injection. I have only had one and will NOT have it again. I am hoping that my knee will return to pre-injection status. My knee is now so swollen, stiff, and sore I cannot bend it. Doctor told me to try this before joint replacement. This is just awful!"

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

For Osteoarthritis "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."

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

For Osteoarthritis "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."

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

For Osteoarthritis "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."

• Pac...
• March 20, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "Just had my 3rd shot last week, noticing some relief but not what I thought. Going to give it some time. Hope it helps. The pain still wakes me at night, and I'm always stiff."