Synvisc-One and Pain: What Users Say

• Car...
• July 9, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I had two prior series of Synvisc-One injections and had some relief. I get a lidocaine shot before each injection to help with pain. This third series has been awful. I have been in agony and have not been able to walk. My left leg calf muscles felt like they were being ripped apart. I was literally in tears daily. I did tell the medical staff of my pain. Third injection was almost two weeks ago and I am still in agony much of the time. Only when I have a full dose of prescription and OTC pain meds, plus lidocaine and other topical applications, in my system do I get relief. And I have to be very careful as to how I move, so as to not jar the leg and start the pain. I have been worse off than I ever was before."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I've been having Synvisc injections every 6 to 7 months for the past 2 years. Sometimes it's a rough couple of days with pain, swelling, and trouble walking, as I have it done in both knees. But once that's past, I am almost pain-free. I hope to push off a knee replacement for a few more years. I'll continue to get injections as they have made a significant improvement in the quality of life for me."

• Dum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "The orthopedist recommended Synvisc-One for O/A I have in my right knee. I also have patellofemoral osteochondritis. I read many reviews here and decided to have it done X-ray guided vs. just by hand touch to make sure the injection is precise. The radiologist put my knee in a certain position and went through the side, interior side of the knee, so the injection itself was successful and didn't hurt much like others wrote. The knee felt swollen for two weeks with some pain, but after that swelling went away, my old pain came back, the pain under the patella. Today is three months and a half since the injection, and I see no improvement. In conclusion, it didn't help me at all."

• map...
• January 27, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "Excess fluid was aspirated from my knee prior to Synvisc-One injection. My doctor informed me that numbing was not recommended. Aspiration and injection were not very painful at all - just the initial 'pinch.' Swelling was minimal but pain lasted almost a week. 10 days into it, knee is feeling much better. I would do this again."

• chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "Going on 8 weeks after a Synvisc-One injection and the constant pain is now 10 times WORSE than before. My quality of life is horrible due to pain caused by the shot. I have osteoarthritis in the knee, nothing like the kind of pain I am in now. READ ALL THE REVIEWS BEFORE YOU GET THIS DONE"

• rep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I got this shot on March 17, 2016. It was a preventative measure because my knee is bone on bone, and I would get a cortisone shot every 6 months. 24 hours after the shot, my knee swelled up, and the pain was incredible, I couldn't walk. Three weeks later, after having my knee drained and injected with medicine, I had emergency surgery to flush out the Synvisc. I've been out of work now for 6 weeks, and with going to therapy, I am starting to walk a little better. I hope to return to work in 2 weeks. I had arthroscopic surgery 10 years ago on my other knee, and the day after surgery I was much better than I am 6 weeks later after a preventive shot. Be careful, I think they are hiding all the bad reactions to Synvisc."

• Sag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "This was a terrible experience for me. I had the Synvisc injection, and the next day I was super anxious and weepy. This anxiety lasted 7 days. I am normally none of those things. Over the next 2 weeks, my knee was painful, stiff, and I had to use crutches to walk. The injection did not work, and I will not have another Synvisc injection again."

• Qua...
• December 25, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "This was, without a doubt, one of the most painful experiences I have encountered in my 65 years. I had it last January. The shot itself was not bad, but immediately after the shot, the pain around the knee was excruciating. I pretty much lived with pain twice as bad as before I had the shot for the next eight or ten weeks. Staying off of it, icing it, and painkillers were the only help. Eventually, the pain slowed down, but I would recommend that people look carefully and study the possible side effects before doing it. I had a partial knee replacement in July (six months ago) and the results are spectacular. I am walking, doing water aerobics, and extremely active without any pain."

• Grm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "Had shot. Shot was nothing, but 48 hrs. later, I can barely stand the pain. Elevating, ice, ibuprofen, but boy oh boy, it hurts BAD. Gave birth to 3 children, one being breech, and swear this pain is worse. I am hoping to be better soon. With this experience, think I will not repeat this adventure. Do not think a knee replacement could be any worse than what I am going through right now."

• Nar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have had bone-on-bone knees for many years and cannot have replacements since I have too many back problems to go through rehab. My knees have been in constant pain for at least 10 years, and narcotic pain meds do little to help. I went for Synvisc One shot in each knee 6 days ago, and the pain is so unbearable all I can do is lie in bed and cry. I am doing ice, but no help. It feels like a knife stabbing my left knee joint, and that’s bad enough, but my right leg from thigh to calf feels like the muscle is being ripped apart. I have had 2 major back surgeries and have rods in my lower back and have never had pain like this. Before, the pain would keep me in bed with ice about 3 to 4 days, but this time I hurt worse every day. Please be aware these injections work well most of the time, but things can go horribly wrong for no rhyme or reason."

• Rob...
• October 18, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I had a Synvisc-One shot about 7 months ago in my right knee. The injection was not painful at all - just uncomfortable as the thick fluid goes into the knee. I had pain relief for 6 full months. After this experience, I decided to get 2 shots - one in each knee. I had the shots done yesterday, and the pain from the shots was excruciating. The experience was nothing like the first time. I felt like I was going to pass out and as if I had been 'sucker punched' in the gut. I couldn't get off the exam table for 20 minutes and could barely get in my car to drive home. I was in such pain and discomfort I went to bed and slept for 12 hours. Today, I still have discomfort and aching."

• Ebl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I had a Synvisc One injection in both knees about a week ago. Initially, I was told to expect pain and swelling for the first 48 hrs. So, I took it easy and stayed off my feet. As the week went on, the pain and swelling progressed. Exactly 7 days later, I ended up in the ER with excruciating pain, swelling, and stiffness. The doctors removed 110 cc's of fluid from my left knee alone. I was later released and told to follow up with my physician. To date, I am still in continuous pain and have difficulty walking. I wish I had never done this."

• Day...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I've had both the cortisone shots and the Synvisc-One. I believe they were equally painful, the Synvisc maybe slightly more, as the fluid seems to be quite a bit thicker so there was noticeably more pressure. However, it's been well over 6 months, and I haven't had any pain. I've recommended it for my father and would recommend it if the normal cortisone shots don't seem to work any longer."

• Jim...
• October 2, 2010

For Osteoarthritis "After using Synvisc for years, I tried Synvisc-One this week. The process of Synvisc was somewhat painful, and I walked away with minimal pain. Synvisc-One was excruciating. For the first time, the injections (one in each knee) were incredibly painful. I sat for 20 minutes in the exam room working up the nerve to walk to the waiting room. Then I took 30 minutes to work up the nerve to walk the 35 yards to the car. After 3 days, I am starting to walk again without severe pain. This was the first time I had it, and in 6 or 8 months I'll do it again. Just know it is a bigger syringe, a bigger dose, and a much bigger needle. In the end, I believe it to be a good cushion for my knees, and will be longer lasting."

• Gra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 24, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I am a 34 y/o female. I first tore my ACL in 1997, and since then I have had 5 complete reconstructions. I have severe arthritis in that knee now, and it was scoped by my doctor two years ago to prepare me for my Synvisc One injections. I am very active: running 6-10 miles, teaching at the gym, and teaching dance. I have been told I need a total knee replacement, but no one will do it on someone so young. The injections have given me so much pain relief that I am hoping to run my first half marathon this fall (was going for one this weekend, but bone spurs got the best of me). I usually cry during the injection, and I did pass out once. If the doctor injects higher on the outside of your knee, I've found my recovery time to be much less. Worth it!"

• mos...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I have had intermittent knee pain since I was a teenager. I am now 44, and a few years ago, the knee pain began preventing me from running. I had my first Synvisc-One injection about a year ago. After reading about the studies online, which show mixed results, I was not expecting this to work, but I thought it was worth a try. The procedure itself was only mildly uncomfortable. For about a week, after my knee felt more irritated than usual...not terrible though. About a week later...no pain, lasted 4 months. Then the pain returned. My doc had me wait 6 months, and I had a 2nd injection. This one irritated my knee for a few weeks, and I was afraid it had made it worse, but after 3 weeks...pain free. Again, lasted 4 months."

• mos...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I have had intermittent knee pain since I was a teenager. I am now 44, and a few years ago, the knee pain began preventing me from running. I had my first Synvisc-One injection about a year ago. After reading about the studies online, which show mixed results, I was not expecting this to work, but I thought it was worth a try. The procedure itself was only mildly uncomfortable. For about a week, after my knee felt more irritated than usual...not terrible though. About a week later...no pain, lasted 4 months. Then the pain returned. My doc had me wait 6 months, and I had a 2nd injection. This one irritated my knee for a few weeks, and I was afraid it had made it worse, but after 3 weeks...pain free. Again, lasted 4 months."

• RRN...
• December 27, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I have had 2 injections over the past year. I am reading many reviews where there is pain when the injection is given! The doctor numbs the knee, but the injection is very painful. This pain lasts several hours, and I do have swelling. Once the initial pain and swelling are over, I feel the Synvisc is working. I was having pain up and down the right leg radiating from the knee. That pain is gone, and I am able to take my daily walks. I am 62 and led a very active and athletic life. Though I can't run the half-marathons anymore, my daily life is pretty normal with minimal knee pain."

• rcz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I'd gotten the Synvisc-One shot injection annually the past 2 years. I went in on 10/16 to get a preventative shot, and since my insurance deductibles had been met for the year, I wanted to get it before the end of the year. My knee began swelling up as soon as I got home, with lots of pain. I went in a day later and had him drain it, then a couple of days later and had him drain it again. I never got any infection, however, the doctor stated that around 5% of the patients will have a bad reaction. It's now Dec '16, and I still have pain (no swelling, just burning/pain on the inside of the knee). Some days worse than others, some days I can walk without much pain, other days, it hurts like hell to walk on it. Also hurts while sleeping, some nights worse than others. NO MORE."

• sac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 15, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I have taken the Synvisc-One shot in both of my knees. It really does work, and I am pain-free for actually six months. The reason I will not take it now is because the last time I was given these shots, it hurt just too bad. Now I am trying to find something else without all the more pain when taken."

• How...
• June 9, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "Had each knee done in 2009. The shots lasted close to five years with some minor discomfort coming back. I had two more shots just today, hope it lasts another 5 years. Biggest problem, Blue Cross in Mass won't cover it. $875 per shot!"

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I had injections in both knees today of the Synvisc One. This is the third time in a year and a half. First one injection, no problems, no side effects, but a little sore afterwards for a day. After the second one, I had stiffness and pain for a few days. I called the office and was told to use ice. After three days, it was better, just a little sore. I had the third one in both knees today, and OUCH! The right knee didn’t hurt much due to it being numbed before they did it. The left hurt. I was sore walking out, but okay. About three hours later, my knees are stiff, excruciating pain, hurting all the way down to my feet, swelling. I cannot get up from a sitting position. I cannot bend my knees, they are so stiff. Walking is horrible, and I need help with my legs not wanting to move. I’m elevating with ice. I need relief."

• god...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I had Synvisc-One injections about three weeks ago in both knees. A few years ago, I also had the injections over 3 weeks with no serious pain or aftereffects but lots of relief for 18 months at least. This time, with just one injection, my experience was horrendously painful during and after for 24 hours. I had to be taken to my car in a wheelchair after the injections due to pain and swelling. Ice did help. I wish he would have numbed the area first, I think that would have helped. For 2-3 weeks after the Synvisc-One injections, I had pretty significant ankle and foot swelling that I'm sure were from the injections. I am beginning to feel improvement now again. I think I might opt for the 3 injections next time, less pain."

• Bam...
• August 22, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "After two knee scopes, a cortisone injection and a Synvisc-One injection last week. I was told it could be a month before any relief. Knee hurts so bad at night I cannot sleep. So far, my knee problems, i.e., pain, knee collapse, and swelling, are worse than ever. Hope it starts working soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I had the Synvisc One injection in my left knee 4 weeks ago. The injection was painful, and I had worse knee pain than before for 3 1/2 weeks. I have had little to no pain for 4 days now. I am hopeful to receive 5-6 months of pain-free living. If so, I will most likely have a repeat injection, as my next option is knee replacement."