Sodium hyaluronate and Stiffness: What Users Say

• InS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Me again, it’s been almost 3 weeks and still no change! I filed a complaint with Durolane and the FDA, yet no one reaches out to me. I can barely walk, and I’m in severe pain around the clock from these injections. They have ruined the quality of my life! I was hiking and cycling prior to injections but had knee pain. Now, my legs are so stiff I cannot even bend them enough to do a pedal rotation on my bike! Do not get these horrible injections!"

• Joh...
• December 4, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I am an active 60 y/o male; have had 2 surgeries to fix meniscus tears on the left knee; also arthritic in that knee. I am 1 week out from the 3rd injection. 1st shot was good - no side effects; 2nd shot - some increased swelling and stiffness; 3rd shot ok; one week out and I notice that I am not sore after sitting at my desk for an hour or more. I actually have to start getting used to trusting my knee when I stand up again! Definitely helped! I have not given it the acid test as I am a backpacker and I would usually get significant pain after the first couple of miles hiking. Initial reaction is that my knee is not perfect with 20% of my meniscus left, and I do still have some pain, but the shots did help. No complaints."

• 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!"

• Vic...
• October 10, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I started using Euflexxa several years ago while training for a half marathon. Having a previous meniscus tear, I wanted to err on the safe side for the training, especially being in my 60s and overweight. About a year ago, I experienced another meniscus tear, and recovery was difficult at best. It was to the point I was begging the Dr. for a new replacement. A second opinion confirmed I was definitely a candidate. I toughed it out. Therapy, exercise, losing 40 pounds, continuous stretching, and massages have paid off. Even though I limp a little and am stiff in the morning, replacement is off the radar. I'm now going back for more injections before the end of the year. They are a little pricey but definitely cheaper than a knee replacement."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "This past Monday was my last shot of "the gel." When I did the first shot, they removed 4 syringes of fluid from my knee before they could inject the gel. By the third injection, almost no fluid, but for me, it has not been a quick pain reliever. The side of my knee still hurts. Feels like someone is stabbing you with a sharp object. For example, it is difficult to press on a car brake. It is stiff when I sit down and painful when I get up. They said it will take 7-8 weeks to have the gel take effect. I hope so."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 1, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "My first experience with Euflexxa was almost 2 years ago. It gave me the much-needed pain relief and joint flexibility to continue with my passions of trail riding, backpacking in the mountains and canyons, downhill and cross-country skiing. It also allowed me to sit for hours while paddling my kayak without knee stiffness and pain. As it is not a permanent solution, I did recently receive my 2nd series of 3 injections as the stiffness and creaky knee was starting to return. Already I feel great and have a wonderful, oiled gate instead of a rusty, creaky one. Thank you to all who helped develop this active life-returning medication."

• Str...
• August 25, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I was getting a feeling of puffiness and stiffness in my leg. Several years ago, I started getting Gelsyn injections every 6 months, and the knee feels normal again. I really want to avoid a knee replacement if I can. My doc says everyone has different reactions."

• Tim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Had an injection of Durolane about 3 to 4 weeks ago. The initial injection itself did not hurt at all. My knee felt a little stiff and got progressively worse to the point now where I think I am going to need PT. I was shocked to see that more than half of the patients surveyed gave this the lowest rating. Now I am one of them."

• Mt ...
• March 28, 2012

For Osteoarthritis "One day after the first injection, I could tell a difference - no startup pain. The injections were painless. The doc put a cold numbing substance on the skin, and when he injected it, I couldn't even feel it. I had my last injection this morning, equally painless (the PA did it this time). I still have a lot of stiffness and am hoping now that I have all 3 to see some relief in the next few weeks."

• Cub...
• April 26, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "Six weeks since first injections in both knees. Have arthritis and tore the meniscus in both knees last fall. Right knee is 90% bone on bone. First shots did not hurt. Second shots, wow! How I got through it baffles me. Third shot, no pain, just uncomfortable. I'm 47. Noticed a difference after the first week; now we are 5 weeks out, right knee is stiff again and I'm having pain and problems walking. Left knee is hurting, but nothing like before the shots. Am hoping insurance will authorize TKR for the right one. Am basically unable to do anything pain-free."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I had a series of 3 injections of Euflexxa by recommendation of my Dr. After the third one, I was told I wouldn’t see any improvement for about a month after. That month came and went, and I was in worse shape than before. I had more pain, stiffness, and general discomfort. These injections were done blind, and when I asked for a follow-up, I was told to seek another Dr. as there was nothing more they could do for me."

• Gab...
• October 6, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "At this writing, I've had Euflexxa shots 3 times over the last 2 years. The 1st time, the shots lasted about 6 months, the 2nd, about 3. Was going to have a total knee reconstruction, but thought to try the shots one last time. The day after the 2nd round, my right knee was so stiff that I could barely walk, and that had been the lesser of the 2! The 3rd round of shots were put off an extra week to let the knee settle. After 2 weeks of the 3 shots, both knees are just now starting to feel better and fairly pre-arthritis normal. How long this round of Euflexxa lasts, I've no idea - different results, different people, different times. The 1st 2 times I'm glad to have had the shots, the 3rd I almost wish I'd not done and just had the inevitable surgery."

• Tre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Diagnosed with patellofemoral arthritis after MRI scan. Durolane injection carried out by a specialist knee consultant 2 weeks ago following 2 months of physiotherapy. Having read several horror stories about intense pain on this website, I feared the worst. In my situation, the injection did not hurt at all. The consultant said he had done thousands of these injections. The knee is gradually improving, not sure if this is due to the injection or physical therapy or both. I had no noticeable stiffness after the injection, but the knee felt a little “fuller” for a couple of days. It might be wise to get the injection done by someone who does this regularly. I will return to tennis next week, starting gently. Good luck..."

• BAD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I saw an orthopedic doctor for knee pain. Got a cortisone. Then back in pain in 2 days. Doctor stated my cartilage was wearing thin but was not gone. Suggested I get the Hyalgan shots. Insurance approved BC/BS. What happened to the in-between treatment? First shot nothing. Knee was swollen before the shot. Asked about it, was told no need to worry. Knee was still in the same amount of pain. One week later, second shot. Leg hurt so bad and muscles locked and tightened up. Was told because my knee was swollen and I did not give it enough time. Now my knee pops. Third shot the next week. Was told I had to give it at least 2 weeks after the last shot. I have all these symptoms: warmth, pain, redness, stiffness, bruising, or puffiness, and locking and popping. My whole knee was swollen. Now, after the fact, they want me to see a doctor to find out if I have inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or gouty arthritis. I think this should have taken place before they gave me the Hyalgan shot."

• 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."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I waited too long to have my knees injected. My X-rays showed bone on bone in both knees. This was the first time that I tried the injections. The right knee went smoothly. The left knee was slightly uncomfortable. The cold spray was very effective. I experienced some side effects of stiffness, increased pain, and dizziness, but it was tolerable and diminished a bit each day. Thankful that it is working."

• Lor...
• July 30, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I had the shot in a moderately painful knee 5 days ago. It is now so stiff and painful I can barely walk, and only with a cane, in my house. I am very disappointed, and my orthopedist is not proactive about it."

• Fem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "Terrible synovitis responded to steroid injection (lasted a week) and steroid tablets but only on 20 mg a day. Anti-arthritis drugs did nothing. Physio recommended Durolane, and my consultant injected it using ultrasound. He also used lidocaine before and added some steroid at the same time as Durolane. The procedure was fine - didn’t hurt really. One week later, I feel amazing! No pain - a little bit stiff, but this is improving day by day. I’ve got to take it easy for the next month, but managed 15 no-jump burpees today, which I haven’t been able to do since June, plus walking no longer hurts! So tempted to book all my old gym classes, but am being sensible. Really hope this lasts and trains my knee to behave itself!"

• 77e...
• January 14, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I had an arthroscopic partial removal of the meniscus, MCL repair, and debridement a year ago. The cortisone wasn't working anymore, and it was still swollen, crunchy, and stiff, so I finally got my Durolane in my left knee yesterday. My surgeon is amazing, he aspirated the fluid before the injection to avoid overfilling the knee capsule, which I am sure was the key. I have no pain or issues bearing weight, just a little stiffness and effusion, which he told me to expect, and the grinding is gone. I work construction, and I am always on the move, so I am hopeful that this works well. I'll update in 4 weeks, but so far this is a win."

• Tra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "After the 3rd shot, I feel worse off than before. May need to get a steroid shot. Stiff, sore from my calf all the way to lower hip. Dr. says 12 weeks. Really????"