Durolane and Discomfort: What Users Say

• Jen...
• March 31, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Got the injection in my left knee (has Patellar Chondromalacia) yesterday around 11:00, was fine until the Lidocaine wore off. I haven’t been able to walk since yesterday at around 3 pm. Really wish I had researched and seen these reviews, I would’ve NEVER gotten the injection. I’m also an Emergency Department nurse, I don’t know how I’m going to work when I can’t even walk! I’ve been icing, elevating, and taking Motrin...miserable!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "It’s one week out since my Durolane shot in my knee. At the time of injection, it was a little more uncomfortable than a steroid shot. I was okay for two days afterward, then the terrible pain started and has not stopped. I can hardly walk or stand for very long. Very disappointed and discouraged by this injection and upset I wasn’t warned by my physician. I’ve been icing it and sitting a lot, and it’s more painful at night, so sleeping has not been easy. I would never get this injection EVER again. This has been my honest experience and just wished I had read the warnings from these reviews first."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Upon reading all of the negative reviews, I chose not to have the injection. The following day I thought... this is my only chance at having a better life! Well, thank GOD I manned up! I just had the shot a couple of hours ago. The injection was okay 2/3 through, but at the final 1/3, it did get a little uncomfortable, but I knew things could only get better after this! I say, GO FOR IT! Better off giving it a shot, lol, than to wonder if it would have..."

• Sus...
• December 31, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis in both knees, torn meniscus surgery three years ago. I have had two rounds of cortisone shots in the past year as well. Nothing has helped, so I decided I would try the gel injections. I wish I had read the reviews before I put myself through pure misery. Both legs were injected with Durolane on December 12, 2019. They were the most painful shots I have ever had! I could barely walk after the injections at the office. I followed my doctor’s orders and iced both knees several times. By the evening, I was in so much pain. I couldn’t sleep at all that night. I went the first two weeks with so much discomfort while trying to sleep. For several days, I could barely walk. Now it’s been three weeks, and my knees are no better. In fact, my right knee stays swollen, sore, and painful most of the time. My left knee aches daily. I can barely bend my knees, sit on the toilet, or put on clothes. I do not recommend getting these injections!"

• Ikn...
• March 1, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Try orthotic insoles first, then Durolane. I had knee pain diagnosed as osteoarthritis, and it got worse over time. In October, I could not walk, the pain of bone on bone was impossible. Signed up for double knee replacement. In the meantime, tried orthotic insoles. What a lifesaver! Cartilage was worn out on both knees on the inside only. This indicated a biomechanical problem. The doctor preparing the insoles noted I had flat feet, and these insoles straightened out my walk. This allowed the inflammation to subside as the load was now spread. A few months later, to stabilize the knees, I tried Durolane. One week into it, and some stiffness and discomfort in the injected knee, but I can feel a big reduction in pain and more stability. The injection was no problem. Now my worse injected knee is better than my better non-injected knee. If you have addressed the underlying issue, maybe Durolane becomes more effective. Good luck!"

• Al2...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2024

For Osteoarthritis "I read these reviews 2 years ago after my physio recommended it over Ostenil. He then took it up with the Durolane rep, whose response was that the pain people get is when it is injected into tissue outside of the capsule. There shouldn't be any pain from the Durolane. So today, I had my 3rd lot of Durolane injections (both knees). Immediately no limp. They now offer lidocaine prior to the injection, with it being a gel. I recommend taking the lidocaine injection as Durolane on its own is uncomfortable due to its thickness going in. We've also recommended it to 3-4 other people who have all gone and had it. All are very happy. Both knees $900, worth every cent."

• syb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I'm glad I didn't read the reviews before having this injection, or I might never have tried it. My left knee is bone on bone, and I tore the meniscus on Christmas Eve 2020. My knee is in such bad shape the ortho surgeon wouldn't do a repair - said it wouldn't be worth it without replacing it totally. He suggested trying the Durolane injection, and I did. It didn't do anything for the first almost 3 weeks, but then one day I realized I didn't need my crutches anymore and could walk without pain for the first time in about 2 years. Yes, the injection is very uncomfortable. And yes, I feel crappy afterwards, and my knee is swollen, painful, and stiff. But I had 6 pretty much pain-free months before needing my second one just this week. I'm 53, and if this can help me put off knee replacement, then I will be a happy camper."

• Non...
• January 14, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "BIG RIP OFF. On Jan 4, I went to the “Joint Clinic” under referral of my doctor for a cortisone shot to my knee. I did, and I was suggested by the Joint Clinic doctor to get a Durolane shot also. It was advertised as a miracle temporary remedy, with the cost of $600.00. I said I’d have to think about it, talked with my wife, and we decided to go ahead. I made an appointment for Jan 10. For the whole week after my cortisone shot, my knee felt much better. On Jan 10, I got the DUROLANE shot. I was told that I might get some discomfort for 3-4 days. Well, let me tell you, my knee is in pain and I can’t walk without pain. I was better after I got the cortisone, and I thought I was going to get even better with this “miracle drug.” Now I’m so sorry that I went back for this injection. I WARNED YOU ALL. I know that if you’re in pain, you’re willing to try it, but I’ll guarantee you, you won’t get any relief with Durolane, you’ll actually be in more pain."

• Gee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Had injection in both knees. The right is doing well, able to bend without difficulty. The left is in so much pain and discomfort, cannot walk on it or bend it without pain. Going to the bathroom is discomfortable. The injection of fluid was so painful, screamed and not able to walk for a while afterwards. It is 24 hours after injection and think a replacement would have been better. The insert states no weight-bearing or walking for more than an hour at a time, definitely follow that, and ice helps to numb the pain. Finding a comfortable position is very difficult as well."

• Dir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Bone on bone, both knees, advanced arthritis, terrified of the replacement surgery. Durolane, 8 days ago, I feel great. I have varying degrees of pain after the injection that lasted a few days, back using a cane for a couple of them, so there was some discomfort. I couldn't sit down and ice them for the recommended time, though. I think this is the miracle drug, folks, own a farm and can get around for the first time in a couple years. Walking on stairs, up and down hills, gravel and fields again."

• LAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I developed pain in early May and basically have had to wear a brace on my knee most of the summer. I got my injection on October 8, 2019. I was concerned by the number of negative comments on this site. Thankful my experience was positive. Yes, it hurt a lot during and for the next 24-48 hours. I was very cautious and applied ice frequently, as well as used Advil. Uncomfortable, but a week later I am very happy with the results. I have some discomfort, but have better mobility and less pain, for sure."

• LAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I developed pain in early May and basically have had to wear a brace on my knee most of the summer. I got my injection on October 8, 2019. I was concerned by the number of negative comments on this site. Thankful my experience was positive. Yes, it hurt a lot during and for the next 24-48 hours. I was very cautious and applied ice frequently, as well as used Advil. Uncomfortable, but a week later I am very happy with the results. I have some discomfort, but have better mobility and less pain, for sure."

• Uns...
• June 19, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Had Durolane injection June 13, 2019, in hips. Came out of the doctor's worse than when I went in. Extreme pain and discomfort. Taking Naproxen regularly with no relief. Can barely walk and has worsened my quality of life. I would not do it again and would not recommend it. Very expensive as well, not covered by insurance."

• Not...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 25, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I had been taking various anti-inflammatory medications since injuring my knee over 10 years ago. I started getting Durolane injections during the last 5 years and have experienced both good results and bad reactions, the first few years and my most recent one being good. I had two last year that started to get extremely painful within a week, which lasted for many weeks before finally settling down. I have found I have less downtime by having it early in the day as the knee is less inflamed, trying to avoid twisting and standing activity as much as possible during the first few weeks, and by having it done every 6 months. I have not been able to return to my pre-injury life, however, I am grateful that it has removed some of the daily discomfort. I previously tried Synvisc One, which did not provide any relief."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I had one-time injections into both knees due to osteoarthritis. I had tried OTC relief and prescribed gel without any help. Had both knees done in May 2021 at the same time. The procedure itself had no pain, just some mild pressure. I walked to the checkout and felt like a baby deer, slightly wobbly. That day I stayed iced and elevated, I was uncomfortable but not painful. I went to work the day after the injections, I regret doing that. I was stiff and sore, and I work in a clinic, so I am on my feet all day and kneeling down often. I had the weekend off, and they started to loosen up. After the first week, I was feeling good and had no pain after day 3. Fast forward to now (4 months post), and I have zero complaints. While I still have moderate crepitus in both knees that I hear going up and down stairs, I have no pain. Nothing to stop me from being active or doing day-to-day activities. I’ve recommended this to others and will gladly do it again when this dose wears off."

• AF ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I had injections in both knees on 7/29/22. After reading the reviews, I was scared and tried to cancel the appt. The nurse persuaded me to come in for the appointment, and we could discuss my concerns. I am glad she did. I was always in pain but continued to work. (Roofing contractor). I was almost convinced that I had only two options, either live with the pain or get knee replacements. After almost three weeks, my pain has decreased to discomfort. I am up and down ladders and walk on roofs daily at 64. We will see how long this lasts. At this point, I am cautiously optimistic."

• No ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I got my Durolane shot on 8-31-21. I had Monovisc and Gel-One shots in the past, but insurance switched me. My doctor took x-rays and showed me the scans compared to a normal knee. The space (representing my cartilage) was about 1/2 of the normal, not bone on bone. The knee being injected had open surgery for MCL/meniscus repair in 1982 and arthroscopic cleanup in 2010. Before the injection, my doctor first used a handheld ultrasound to check for fluid buildup, which he would remove, but didn't need to. Then he gave me a cortisone injection, followed by the gel injection. He used the ultrasound during both injections to assure the medication was getting to the right places. After a week, I have had no significant pain and just a little discomfort and feeling of pressure, which icing relieves. No gel injection will fix a bone-on-bone knee that needs replacement."

• Doc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I have bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my left knee. I have, over the past five or so years, had five or six Synvisc injections. They have worked well for me, lasting for six or eight months. The injections are fairly painless, with only the sensation of fullness in my knee for a day or so, no pain. I was given my first Durolane injection three days ago. It is the most painful injection I have ever had. It hurt like anything. I am three days out and still cannot bend my knee fully. The swelling and the redness have improved, but I still have a moderate amount of discomfort. I will NEVER put myself through this again. I will stick with Synvisc, even if it means a decreased injection interval."

• PKb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "My Durolane injection was now 3 weeks ago. I had it in my right knee for osteoarthritis. I would take the pain before having the injection and discomfort any day over this. Pain is still terrible. Days one and two were off-the-charts painful. Now about a 5-6. Still limited mobility. No way you could work after this injection. I did get back in to see my orthopedic, and he said I would just have to “ride it out.” I asked, what’s an estimate? He didn’t have an answer. This is such a bad drug - do not do it. Never going back to this doctor - he really didn’t seem to care. Just shocking to go through this much pain and barely able to get around my house. I haven’t been able to even walk to the mailbox or get groceries. This has been a never-ending nightmare. I feel for others who have had the same reaction. Once the pain is gone, I will update. I see another doctor next week to try and get some kind of relief."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "Just received the shot in my right knee on 11/7/22. When the initial shot was given, there was no pain or discomfort, but I did notice, while driving home, a little bit of tightness in the joint. No major issues for the rest of the day. Overnight, had some discomfort, and once up and moving, very sore and hard to stand on it, but sitting is no issue. Was told to take it easy for 2 days to let it sit in, and will follow up on this review in a few days."

• Nyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I was diagnosed with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my left knee, this was in May 2021. I was given a cortisone injection and a prescription for pain. I had to quit PT because the pain was getting worse. My doctor gave me an option for the gel injection but said it doesn’t always give people relief. I was willing to try it to put off knee replacement. I was given a Durolane injection in July and had immediate relief! It is now January 2022 and I just started getting discomfort at night. My doctor's office called yesterday to set up an appointment for the second injection. I told them I would like to hold off until I felt I really needed it, which will probably be by the end of the month if it gets worse at night. I would highly recommend this drug to anyone that was in pain and wanted to hold off on surgery."