Synvisc and Swelling: What Users Say

• Ane...
• July 25, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I received Synvisc injections to both knees, and I wish that I could have had the steroidal injections instead. The PA was bragging about this medication, so I said go ahead if it’s more effective and the relief lasts longer than the anti-inflammatory steroid - I am ready. Before the Synvisc, I could take short walks with my dog, bend down to put his harness on, but it was painful. Now, one week since my third injection, and I have a terrible time trying to walk upstairs to my bedroom. The pain in both legs is unbearable, it feels as if I have fire in both of my thighs, knees, and calves. My legs are very heavy, swollen, and it feels as if I am carrying someone else’s legs. The pain and burning are nonstop. I try to find somehow a decent position with pillows to attempt to fall asleep. That is with taking my opioid pain medication, Gabapentin, and Tylenol PM. Once I find a fairly comfortable position and use ice packs to calm the pain, I then am afraid to stand up and fall."

• Yon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I had my first set of injections back in October 2012. I got almost immediate relief after a couple of days of swelling. It worked great for about three months, then the effects started to wear off. I am hoping the second set of shots will work as well or better than the first."

• Uta...
• September 24, 2011

For Osteoarthritis "I first had the 3-in-one injection 2 years ago, with instant benefits, and it lasted almost a year to the date. This is the 3rd time I have had the same injection, but this time my knees are so swollen that I cannot walk downstairs or get up from sitting. This is the second day, and I am still hopeful that after the swelling goes down, it will also last another year."

• Dog...
• July 10, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I had the triple shot 5 years ago to my left knee. My knee swelled up horribly, and I could not do any of my workouts or dancing for 6 weeks. I was miserable and did not ever want to have it again. The upside is that after 6 weeks of pain, it worked for 5 years. I just had the shot done to both knees and have not had any swelling, and it has been 48 hours. My right knee is catching with any quick movements. Hope to have success after a few weeks. It did hurt really bad during the injection, but I don't think that I received any local anesthetic this time. I think that may also contribute to the swelling when extra volume is added to the area. I also did not do any activities for 48 hours, which is difficult for me."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "Extreme pain and inflammation on the site where the injection was done. It happened in my first and now my second set of injections. The swelling lasts for about a week. I will not be getting my 3rd set of Synvisc injections. Too painful."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "Extreme pain and inflammation on the site where the injection was done. It happened in my first and now my second set of injections. The swelling lasts for about a week. I will not be getting my 3rd set of Synvisc injections. Too painful."

• Gin...
• April 13, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Had the Synvisc injections (3) a year and a half ago with success. Was able to move my knee joint freely and returned to exercising. In the last 2 weeks, pain, stiffness, and swelling have returned to the same knee. Was given a steroid shot after excess fluid was drained. Some help, but not like the Synvisc shots. The orthopedic doctor tells me they are no longer covered by my insurance!"

• Joh...
• January 23, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "The first Synvisc injection I had pain, but the second has been excruciating! I can’t walk without crutches (because that’s all I have for assistance). My knee is swollen and very painful to walk. Cannot get comfortable no matter what I do and cannot sleep! Taking ibuprofen and Tylenol, but no relief! Not doing another injection!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I wish to God I had never consented to having this medicine injected in me. I am 49 years old and suffer with mild osteoarthritis in my right knee. My nurse practitioner (NP) strongly suggested this med. I read the pamphlet, which in hindsight was more of an advertisement for the drug instead of unbiased information. I wish I had done more research on this drug. I was to receive a series of 3 injections. Nothing much happened after the first injection, but after the second injection, my knee became swollen, stiff, and very painful. I couldn't bear weight on my right foot without extreme pain. I contacted my NP, who apparently thought I was exaggerating or simply had no experience with adverse reactions to this drug. Well, after begging to be seen, she finally realized it was serious. I ended up having my knee drained and given a cortisone injection. Unfortunately, that only relieved the pain slightly. The pain and swelling eventually returned. Please do your research."