Synavisc/arthritis

[JaneB]

I just had an injection of Synavisc into my knee capsule in an effort to reduce pain/inflammation from osteoarthritis. It won't work for several weeks and really hurts right now! I'm hoping to reduce pain, which has gotten bad again after getting back on skis.

Anyone out there with good/other results?

JaneB

 

[Jilly]

I had cortisone for my imflammation. Then 3 shots of Euflexx. This stuff sounds like the synavisc. It really didn't give me any pain relief, but the joint moved better. It's like getting a lube job on the joint.

 

[Jenny]

I had cortisone for my imflammation. Then 3 shots of Euflexx. This stuff sounds like the Euflexx. It really didn't give me any pain relief, but the joint moved better. It's like getting a lube job on the joint.

That sounds like what my friend had first, which didn't do much. She's gone on to have the PRP procedure, and said she thinks there's been a turning point now. Still pretty early to tell for sure.

 

[JaneB]

That sounds like what my friend had first, which didn't do much. She's gone on to have the PRP procedure, and said she thinks there's been a turning point now. Still pretty early to tell for sure.

I have terrible timing! I just read a report on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website stating that the latest findings are that the vicsosupplementations (Synavisc, etc..) are not helpful enough to be recommended. In the meantime, my knee is very sore from the injection....

 

[altagirl]

I have terrible timing! I just read a report on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website stating that the latest findings are that the vicsosupplementations (Synavisc, etc..) are not helpful enough to be recommended. In the meantime, my knee is very sore from the injection....

I was thinking that I remember my surgeon mentioning it but he said it seemed to have mixed results. Fingers crossed it helps you after the initial discomfort wears off!

 

[Jilly]

Oh, I hated the injections....hurt like H E double hockey sticks. TG it was in the summer...But it has helped in moving the joint. Not sure how many takes I'm allowed before total replacement.

 

[JaneB]

The Synavisc injection did not help. I don't know what does. The pain from OA is very intermittant. Sometimes I'm fine; sometimes not....

 

[contesstant]

Try wearing something to warm your knees. I have Smartwool "leg sleeves" that are for cycling, that I roll over to make double thick over my knees. I also wear a neoprene knee sleeve on my right knee (the one with the fractured tibial plateau) to give an extra dose of warmth and support. I have OA in both knees and this little trick has helped me immensely this season, especially on really cold days where last season, my knees would get very achy.

You could probably make your own knee sleeves by cutting the foot off a wool ski sock that isn't your favorite, or is too big, etc. Then double it over so it's not in your boot and gives your knees an extra layer.

If we get that cold powder storm that's supposed to come in next week while you are here, we are going to have to deal with the extra knee achiness that comes along with skiing in those conditions. Pluses and minuses! I find that the sheer fun of it tends to make me forget about my knees.

 

[Bluestsky]

The Synavisc injection did not help.

Resurecting the thread.
I’m about to get the lubricating shot for pain and inflammation in my arthritic bone on bone knee - don’t know the brand yet, so that makes me hesitant. Has anyone else had a similar/better experience?

 

[Jilly]

I've had no problems in my right knee. I need some in the left I think. We didn't injection that one.

 

[Bluestsky]

That’s a good news!
Did you get just one? If more how spread out were they?

 

[Jilly]

My injects were a total of 3. Can't remember how far apart, but not far. Think all were done within 6 weeks. Euflexxa was the brand name. My insurance company wouldn't cover it either!!

 

[Bluestsky]

Insurance coverage...it might be because it's newer than cortisone? Did you also get cortisone along with the Euflexxa? Did you have any pain/discomfort afterwards? Asking all these because I'm scheduled to go overseas in about a month and would hate to deal with any side effects then.

 

[Bluestsky]

Just got a call from a doc. Will also have Euflexxa - three shots over 3 weeks. I've been hobbling (in between skiing, i.e.), so I hope it's gonna help.

 

[Jilly]

I had one shot of Cortisone with the first Euflexxa shot. Cortisone was covered by the provincial insurance plan. Euflexxa not covered by OHIP (provincial plan) or company extended health.

Euflexxa is replacing the fluid in your knee. Thus the 3 injections. Cortisone is for the inflammation in the joint.

 

[Bluestsky]

Thanks Jilly. They did mention Cortisone, I said no, let's just do the lubricant. Still a novice about all these.

 

[newboots]

Good luck, @Bluestsky - we will want to know how it works out!

 

[Bluestsky]

Thanks, will update.

 

[Quiver Queen]

I was thinking that I remember my surgeon mentioning it but he said it seemed to have mixed results. Fingers crossed it helps you after the initial discomfort wears off!

Statistically there have been mixed results, e.g., my mom got zero help, but I got 9-10 months of relief with each series, buying me several years before a knee replacement. So viscosupplements " might be worth a shot!"

 

[skithesierras]

I had Synvisc/Orthovisc (forget which one) with PRP a year ago, series of three shots. Insurance covered <>visc, but not PRP. I had a good 10-12 months afterwards, and just now thinking about going back for another round of shots. As @Quiver Queen says, it's buying me a few more years before a knee replacement. So I recommend it when your alternatives are few. It can't hurt!

(I have little to no cartilage left in my left knee due to injury and OA...)