Sodium hyaluronate and Pain: What Users Say

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I had an injection of Durolane on Sept. 2, 2020, and it is now Nov. 8, 2020 (2 months, 6 days). I am in horrible pain and cannot stand the pain when I stand up. I cannot rest at night because of so much pain. I have taken low dosages of Prednisone and I am taking Tylenol, but I get hardly any relief. I cannot take any pain medicine other than Tylenol. Will this pain go away eventually? What have others found that caused this to happen and what have they done to get help? I have seen an orthopedic, and he does not seem to know what to do or understand what has happened. Please, can anyone give me any encouragement? I am desperate..."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "This year my insurance changed and decided I no longer needed the Synvisc-One injections that I had been getting for the past 3 years. They would only approve Durolane. I had never tried it and assumed it was an equivalent to the other. Boy, was I wrong!! I wish I had done my research before getting it. I received the injection in my right knee and immediately was overcome by excruciating pain that radiated throughout my whole leg. I was in so much pain and it would NOT stop. My knee instantly swelled and seized up. After an hour of sitting in the Dr.'s office, I had to get my husband to come pick me up from the appointment. I couldn't even get my clothes back on. I could not put weight on that knee for a week. The pain is worse now than before the injection. I do NOT recommend this drug."

• Ex ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I'm a 60-year-old male and active tennis player that is almost bone-on-bone in both knees. My orthopedist has recommended replacements. I opted to try Euflexxa. I had both knees injected in April of 2013 and again 7 months later. Both procedures have given me amazing relief. My doc lowered my expectations on the first round, so I didn't have high hopes. I was more than pleasantly surprised! Without these shots, I would be facing immediate surgery. I endorse Euflexxa highly. I did learn a trick: Ice your knee(s) 30 minutes BEFORE the injection! I had close to zero injection pain as a result. Also, ice afterwards to reduce inflammation. Good luck all..."

• 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."

• jam...
• March 15, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I had both knees done and I have had THE WORST pain ever. I can hardly walk. My doctor suggested it would take a few weeks for it to work. It has been two weeks, no change except more pain. When will the pain stop?"

• Kne...
• April 30, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I'm about to start my third round of Euflexxa. I tried Synvisc-1 twice with great results but only lasting 4-6 months. My first round of Euflexxa lasted almost 15 months, and I was pain-free most of that time. The second round was almost 18 months! No significant side effects, a little swelling and pain after shots, but not for long. I am very physically active; I teach or take Pilates 6 times a week, take yoga 3 times a week, and do deep water aerobics 3 times a week, in addition to walking my dogs twice a day. This medicine is a godsend. I am hoping to avoid TKR for as long as possible and stay happily active as well."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Had Durolane injections 2 weeks ago. I have experienced the worst pain I’ve ever had. Could not walk into the house on my own. Pain is especially bad at night. Feels like I have hot coals in both knees. Would never recommend these injections."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Stay away! Had an injection in my hip in Oct 2020, and it’s been a literal nightmare ever since. Going on month 6, and I still have a ton of pain and struggle to walk more than 10 mins without pain. My hip is 100% worse than before the injection. I have deep, deep regret that I chose to take the injection. I’m 48 and was in very good shape prior to this (I have a slight labral tear) and have not been able to train since. Completely depressing. My doc sent me for an MRI that ended up showing nothing of consequence. This really, really affected and continues to affect me very negatively. I would give a negative rating if possible."

• Ral...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "In my opinion, this stuff should be outlawed. I would rate it a MINUS-5 after 7 days. After getting Durolane in both knees, I could hardly make it to the car. The first 2 days, I could barely make it to the bathroom using a walker. The next 5 days, I am getting around with way more pain than before the injections. I have had over 40 Synvisc injections in both knees, and they all had positive effects."

• TJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2025

For Osteoarthritis "I received a Durolane injection May 19, 2025, in my left knee. I preferred Euflexxa (3), but insurance required a step-down process. I had the Synvisc (3) injection September 2024, but it didn’t help at all. Next was Durolane. On May 20th, I knelt down on my mattress to answer the telephone at my bedside. That evening, my knee was in pain only when getting up from a seating position. I’m also unable to turn in bed with my knee bent. Went back to the doctor yesterday, and after careful examination and manipulation of my knee, she wants me to have an MRI to see if anything else is going on. I asked if the knee pressure on my mattress would do this, but she couldn’t give a definite answer. I will never take the Durolane injection ever again! It’s affecting my walking now also, so I’m using a cane. I’m afraid to ride my recumbent bike and can’t do things around the house."

• joh...
• February 10, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I am a 36-year-old male police officer and avid outdoor enthusiast. I had my 2nd ACL surgery in 2012. I am very active, and having constant knee pain was not an option. My doctor decided to try Orthovisc injections to help with the arthritis. The Orthovisc worked great. Unfortunately, my insurance required my doctor to switch to Euflexxa. After my first injection, I was in incredible pain. The second shot, my knee swelled, and the pain was unbearable. The third shot was even worse. I ran a fever, had nausea, headaches; basic flu-like symptoms. I have read a lot of the reviews on this website. It seems like patients either have good results or results like mine. I want future patients to be aware of the potential risks."

• Lee...
• October 24, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I’m 53 and have bilateral OA. I completed the 3-shot series of Euflexxa and am 3 weeks out from the last injections. I am in worse pain and struggle to walk more now than before I started getting the injections. Daily life has become so different as even grocery shopping is difficult. If I stand or walk longer than 5 minutes, I feel as though my knees are giving out on me completely. At the end of a day, all I want to do is lay down because I can no longer stand to be on my feet causing my knees any more exhaustion. When you are desperate for relief, you will try almost anything to find even 10% relief. After failed cortisone injections, my doctor suggested Euflexxa. He said, “You’re too young for replacement surgery.” At this point, I want to be able to walk. My 72-year-old mother walks and acts younger than I do. Come on already!!! Euflexxa a waste of money, and the extra pain it has caused me is frustrating. Do NOT get this!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Day three after my first Durolane shots in both knees. Right knee, no problem. Left knee, pain with some swelling for two days. Now feeling great! I am excited to see how the next few months go. Word of advice: ice, elevate, and Aleve. Rest for 48 hours, it’s worth it! Good luck."

• hun...
• July 31, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I just got mine today. I am 38 years old. I have some bone-on-bone. I found a great doctor. They marked my knees, sprayed something to numb it. BAM! NO PAIN, I FELT MORE PRESSURE THAN ANYTHING. Walking out, I felt AWESOME. NO CREAKING IN THE KNEES, AND I AM ONLY ON VISIT ONE. CAN'T WAIT."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Ang...
• December 12, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I got a Durolane injection on Tuesday. Just in the left knee. So glad I decided against getting both knees done. First day was okay. I had some soreness, but my pain continues to get worse each day. It is extremely difficult to get a good night's rest. I have difficulty walking. I was doing so much better prior to the injection. I did the one thing I tell everyone else: don't put your faith in the doctor because they don't know everything. I so wished I had done my research, then I would not be in this excruciating pain. No more of any kind of injections for me. I can deal with my normal discomfort. But this pain is almost unbearable. Do your research!!"

• TLP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I am 41 years old and have osteoarthritis in both knees. I have tried everything from steroid injections, medications, and physical therapy without any long-term relief. The steroid injections were really painful and didn't last, so I was very hesitant to try the Euflexxa. My Orthopedic Dr. gave me two choices (lubrication injections or arthroscopy). I knew that I didn't want the arthroscopy, so I went for the Euflexxa. I was terrified but needed some relief. My first injection hurt a little and my knees were sore for a few hours. My second injection hurt a little more and was sore a little longer than the first time. I will have my third injection in 2 days and can't wait. I am so glad that I did it! My knee pain is very minimal."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "60-year-old woman with bone-on-bone and need TKR. However, my doctor suggested Euflexxa, saying I was too young for surgery. I am one and a half months out from my third injection. After the first injection, I was able to sleep through the night without my knees locking, which was a huge improvement. My doctor said to take it easy for 48 hours after each injection and to ice four times a day. Right knee responded much better than the left, but I do have some pain relief in both knees. I started Physical Therapy 4 weeks prior to the injections, and the doctor advised to continue as long as my insurance will pay. My doctor advised I will be at my optimum 3 months out from the third injection."

• Pai...
• October 23, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Yesterday I had the Durolane injections done in both knees. I'm a 40-year structural ironworker and have severe arthritis in both knees. Cortisone shots in the past have not helped. After reading the reviews, I had second thoughts. I spoke to my general practitioner, whom I trust, and he recommended I get the shots. In the past, I've had shots in the roof of my mouth, epidural injections in my back, and I can say this was by far the worst pain I've ever experienced. I have an extremely high pain tolerance but have never experienced anything like this. My whole body clenched up, and I had to breathe through it for 5 to 10 seconds. Then I had to do it again on the other knee. I could barely walk after. Hobbled to my car more like. The pain subsided throughout the day a bit, and I hoped to go to work the next day. Absolutely no way. I woke up at 4 a.m. in extreme pain and am now back to icing and heating my knees again and can barely walk. I would never wish the pain of a Durolane injection on my worst enemy."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "Have had good results so far. Am a week out from the third injection on my left knee. Plan to start the series on my right knee next week. Injections were painless except for the last one. Definitely ice the knees after the injections and don't overdo activity for a couple of days. I think that's why the third was more painful. I am 64 with severe osteoarthritis and moderate rheumatoid arthritis. Know replacements are inevitable, but want to enjoy as much as possible until then. Good luck everyone!"

• Fir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 27, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I've been taking the 5-injection series for about 9-10 years and have had great success. I've found relief immediately after injection #1. The first series lasted over 18 months. I never had any pain from the injections as some people have experienced. That might be due to whether or not the needle went into a muscle or bone, not the fault of the Supartz. When my doctor gives me the injection, I never even feel the needle being inserted. He's a pro."

• Cow...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I got the Durolane injection on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, and when I was walking out of the office after the shot, it felt good, but by the time I got home, it hurt some. Every day I get up okay, but by lunch it hurts some, by evening it gets worse, and then last night, April 16, 2020, was the worst ever. I tried ice and heat, and finally a Toradol pain reliever. I was able to wake up okay, but it has been bad all day today. It says give it two weeks to fully feel the effects. I'm bone on bone and have a lot of arthritis in my knees. I pray this works."