User Reviews for ORTHOVISC intra-articular

I have had great success with this product for a pain free knee left and right. It takes 4 injections and you have to stick with it, since the relief does not show up right away. If the doctor does not use a sonogram type practice to inject into your knee, then I would keep shopping for another one. I can tell from the reviews that my Dr. had success by being able to see exactly where the injection was going.

First set of 3 injections lasted 4 years. Set of 3 substitute injections (that insurance insisted on) did not work. Set of 4 orthovisc injections and no pain at all.

I just had the second shot and I'm in some pain but icing it every few hours. I find it effective the 1st shot and had no restriction at all and also going to physical therapy as well. I hope this will last longer so I can avoid total knee replacement.

First series taken before trip to Europe last Sept/Oct. Cortisone shot before I left. No pain during six week trip or for four months after that!! Just finished second round of injections. Minor discomfort with injections but so grateful for this procedure. Tightness and stiffness gone. Able to get up from chair after sitting a while and walk normally. I ride recumbent bike or do water aerobics for exercise. Sometimes zaps of pain but nothing like before procedure.

first round of 3 injections a year ago was ok and I felt my knee pain decreased. But this round the first shot was pretty uncomfortable, but I dealt with it. the second shot was extremely painful, shot up to my hip, my entire leg cramped up in severe pain then I almost threw up and had to lay down for about 10-15 minutes before I could even sit up and try to walk and could hardly walk to my car. it hurt my entire leg for 3 days. Now my knee feels improved, but I am not getting the 3rd shot after reading these reviews as afraid of an even more severe reaction.Read More Read Less

I have had fifteen complete series of three injections in both knees over seven and a half years. We used Supartz and Synvisc but apparently I became sensitive to them and so we used Orthovisc. I have had probably six complete series of Orthovisc. The last set made my arthritis flare like crazy! I have been in horrible pain. But after an abominable four level fusion with permanent foot and leg nerve damage, I will NEVER have surgery again. And, to boot, I hemorrhaged with Celebrex and can no longer use NSAID's! Pain management is a constant hassle and certainly not enough medication to help me. I use boswellia, curcumin, glucosamine and on and on with pretty god results. But it is my opinion that something was wrong with the Orthovisc this time since there was such a horrible pain reaction right after the third injections. Cortisone relief, along with first injections, lasted about four weeks and cortisone always causes FURTHER cartilage damage. There is just too much of a coincidence in levels of pain before this set and immediately following this set for me not to think it was that particular batch of Orthrovisc. And why must the Orthovisc now go literally through my insurance? You know how people have been doing anything for a dime by counterfeiting or substituting other substances in medications nowadays. Something is wrong, I believe, and there is nowhere to turn....my doctor immediately offered knee replacements! NO! NO! NO! I'll crawl or something...there wa just too much of a sudden and horrid increase in pain this time to be a coincidence. Knees hurt one-seventh the amount just before these injections.....fishy!!!!Read More Read Less

The handling of any needle into one's body is more or less painful, as anyone who has ever had blood drawn can attest. My othopeadic surgeon's PA did most of them in MD,s practice, and my MD stated. "he does them better than I do." This was a physician with an outstanding reputation as a sports med doc, specializing in shoulders and knees. I was about 58 when I had the series of 3, and found complete relief. Until the miniscal tears would kick up again...a year later or my overdoing something. Oh, have also had Synsvic with similar good results. Read More Read Less

I had severe pain in my left knee from arthritis, I'm on my second injection ,so far so good no pain just a little stiffness, go for 2 more shots im feeling good about it working

My left knee is bone on bone. My right knee is almost there as well. Tried cortisone but it did not help. Ortho Doc recommended Orthovisc but cautioned it may or may not work as it seems to work for some and not for others. We did a series of 3 weekly injections. They provided relief right away. I did not find them particularly painful at all. I've not experienced any side effects other than bruised knees. They lasted me almost a full 8 months and I am an avid daily walker. They have been a Godsend for me. My knees have been pain free. I am starting the second series of 3 weekly shots tomorrow and am hoping I can go another 6-8 months on the second round. Yes, everyone is different and they may or may not work for you. But I guess you won't know until you try. In my case, I'm so happy I did this!Read More Read Less

I have osteoarthritis of the knee from years of dance and aerobics teaching and the bounding. At only 48, I was suffering with flareups. I went to a specialist for a checkup and he recommended this Orthovisc injection. I have had a terrible experience. Severe pain for a solid 30 days straight. I refused to get the second shot but went to the doctor for the followup apt to see if that is a normal reaction. Unfortunately my knee has not recovered and has been in a constant state of flare up since, it's terrible. I don't know how long this remains in the system, but it definitely 100% without a doubt caused more pain then I was in and did NOT help at all. My advice, read carefully about the side affects and efficacy. I trusted to eagerly to my doctor, and did not do any research before simply allowing to proceed with the injection. I was told it is like a "lube job for the knee cap" like an oil change for your car, provide lubrication to keep the parts from rubbing. Well, very disappointed in myself for not researching, and suffering the consequences. DO NOT TRY.Read More Read Less

I had Orthovisc injections (3) 7 months ago and it's still easing my knee pain. I was told 3 years ago that I needed a new knee and now I can walk on my treadmill up to 20 minutes a day! The injections are no more painful than a cortisone injection.

I had the three injections and at the third one, they added cortisone to the treatment. It helped for about 4-5 weeks and now I am back to square one on pain and limping again. I am so very disappointed. :(

I have osteoarthritis, chondromalacia and IT band pain syndrome. My knees felt better after getting the injections but as soon as I went back to mild exercising (yoga, swimming and walking long distances) the pain came back even worse than before. I don't think I would bother with the injections again.

Both knees injected - most recent pain due to bone spurs. Pain not only in joint but down side of calf. First injections by PA in training, and one was painful for days after. Experienced PA did last two injections with very little pain. Relief after 2nd and 3rd injections, but it did not last. Has been six weeks since last injection, and walking (sightseeing or shopping) for 1 to 1.5 hours causes so much pain that I limp.

Have had first of three rounds of shots in both knees; cortisone shots were not helpful so looking for alternatives to knee replacement surgery. Shots were extremely painful when administered, and pain continued for several days, along with severe back pain. No improvement in knee functionality or pain yet, but hoping to achieve after third round of shots are administered.

I had #8 level pain in my left knee due to arthritis for a couple of months. Could barely get around. Cortisone and physical were not effective at all. Within a few hours of my first orthovisc injection, my knee improved. Within a few days, I didn't need NSAIDS anymore. Within a few weeks of my last injection - no pain at all and back to walking the hills with my dog. The shots are nothing in the hands of a skilled orthopedic doctor. Maybe a bit more pinch than your average flu shot.

Being treated with it for the last 5 yrs, 8 bilateral sessions (3) each knee. Last 2 sessions have being very painful as the liquid is being injected. Moderate pain and discomfort last form 2-4 days. first 20 mins after injection is very painful now, not as 3 yrs ago. This treatment has postponed a bilateral TKR. Better when lidocaine is administered before the orthovysc.

Used this with one of the best pain specialists ever. He said it has a much better effectiveness if you inject with help from an ultrasound machine. It ached a bit due to some swelling in my joint but it was like night and day after the first hour or two. Couldn't walk without it or without my pretty amazing doctor.

1st injection and have noticed immediately a remarkable miracle. 2 more to go. Incredible

My Doctor advised using Orthovisc after all other options did not help. He advised that using the Orthovisc the first time with a cortisone injection with decrease the chances of experiencing swelling, and other adverse reactions. I had my second injection today and I am very satisfied. First because although the first injection did have some swelling, my knees were already very painful so a bit more swelling did not matter much. Second because even though the injection caused a bit of pain, my knees are feeling much better. I am walking and climbing stairs with less pain and swelling. I can carry in loads of firewood without cringing and I can push a vacuum cleaner without residual swelling and pain. Oh there is still some aches and pain walking but nothing like before. So I love this stuff! I want to buy it by the truck load! Maybe I can put off knee surgery for the next few years after all. Read More Read Less