KNEE ARTHRITIS - Injections into the joint :
When Did You Know? - - Posted by Janet (Janet), 10 December 2004
I just had my second Synvisc injection. They seemed a little surprised that I hadn't seen any change since the first one. In fact, my knee has been really bothering me all week....reminding me why I wanted to have the injections to start with. Anyway, I know it has a cumulative effect. But how soon did you know it was working for you?
Janet
Posted by missmyknee (missmyknee), 10 December 2004
Hi Janet
When I had my synvisc in Aug 03, I was told I wouldn't know if it worked til about 3-4 weeks out of the last injection. I never felt any improvement with each shot and it didn't help me at all. But some people have noticed some improvement after their 2nd or 3rd injection but give it at least the 3-4 weeks. Some people feel relief for 6 mos to a year. I hope the synvisc helps you out.
Pam
Posted by melody (melody), 18 January 2005
Janet,
I had a series of hylauronic acid injections last year. I had no pain or swelling during or after. It took several weeks before I noticed improvement. It was very gradual but one day I noticed that climbing the stairs was easier. It was a series of small changes and I have had about a 40 percent improvement in my knee pain and movement. I cannot remember which brand of material my doctor used but I have found relief and would do it again. The rest of my joint is healthy so a knee replacement is not in order; plus I am too young to have one. My only surgical option is removal of my knee cap which at this time is not an option for me. I wish you luck and hope you have some improvement.
Melody
Posted by melody (melody), 18 January 2005
Janet,
I had a series of hylauronic acid injections last year. I had no pain or swelling during or after. It took several weeks before I noticed improvement. It was very gradual but one day I noticed that climbing the stairs was easier. It was a series of small changes and I have had about a 40 percent improvement in my knee pain and movement. I cannot remember which brand of material my doctor used but I have found relief and would do it again. The rest of my joint is healthy so a knee replacement is not in order; plus I am too young to have one. My only surgical option is removal of my knee cap which at this time is not an option for me. I wish you luck and hope you have some improvement.
Melody
Posted by Janet (Janet), 20 January 2005
Well, it has now been five weeks since my last injection, and I haven't seen any difference. In fact, I swear it is a little worse. Usually I would have a bad week (or so) followed by a better week (or so). But now I can't remember the last time I had a good day.
I have a follow-up appointment with my OS on February 8. I was told I can cancel it "if my knee feels great." I'm still holding out some hope, but it is fading fast.
Janet
Posted by bajalady (bajalady), 20 January 2005
Janet,
It's been a long time since your last shot. I had the shots done for pretty much the same kind of problem. I do have djd (the "official" reason the injections are usually used) but my symptoms are mostly patella baja/maltracking related and not from the djd. My shots really kicked in about where you are now. I was getting worried I remember.
Unfortuantely the things WEAR OFF. And I mean they wear off!!! Can't tell if my knee is worse now than before the shots or if it was always this bad and I just forgot. Giving the Synvisc for baja/patella tracking diagnosis and general inflammation is sort of a crap shoot. Sometimes it helps, sometimes not. I got lucky and got at least some relief. I also think my fatpad is a little bit softer. I also have a slightly stronger quad now so my patella is not quite as low. It did help with some of the pain I will say. That was worth it.
I hope you notice some changes in the next week or so. It's time the stuff started working for you if it is going to at all.
Callie
Posted by Janet (Janet), 22 January 2005
My husband started his Synvisc injections the other day. His problem is OA and a torn meniscus. It's not fair! He can already feel it working! I know his is a completely different problem than mine and the Synvisc was more likely to help his. But I'm jealous (LOL)!
Janet
Updated Mon Dec 1 2008