Synvisc (or other viscosupplement) recovery time?

[Brandon123]

Hi all,

Do I need to reserve any "recovery time" for a possible upcoming Synvisc-One injection?

I am 34 years old and has struggled for years with chondromalacia patellae that is now turning into patella-femoral arthritis. I had one arthroscopy a few years back, but my OS now wants to try viscosupplement, such as Synvisc, before any additional surgery.

The problem, however, is that I am on a new job and do not want to go on any sick leave for the first months. It is hard enough as it is to manage the job as I have to use crutches every now and then, a lot of pain sometimes, cannot walk without a limp etc.

So my fear is that I would go a do a Synvisc injection, get some normal (or not normal) adverse reaction (pain, swelling etc.) and as a result having problem even going to work. I have an office job, but still needs to move around in the city every now and then, and it is difficult enough as it is. At the same time, something needs to be done as soon as possible as my knee is slowly getting worse!

Any experiences, advice, opinions are highly appreciated.

Thanks!

Brandon

[vickster]

I've had similar injections, specialist just said to take it easy for a day or two, might feel some fullness in the joint but in my experience all fine, no more discomfort than there is with the arthritis that is the reason for the injection

Might need a mild painkiller, or some ice afterwards, and avoid the gym for a couple of days. Just keep the joint moving with some heel slides or similar

Essentially the injection is topping up the normal lubrication in the joint, and helping to reduce inflammation. Yes, you could have an adverse reaction, but few do, so just go in with a positive point of view.

Do make sure you relax during the injection, do as the specialist giving the injection says, I had one where I was tensed up and the needle hit the bone, which was a bit sore at the time but no issue after

Really nothing to worry about in my experience, and for me they do help (probably having another in the new year, been 3 years since the last)

Can you arrange the injection for a Friday afternoon, so you have the weekend to rest up?

[Brandon123]

Many thanks for your reply, Vickster. I have read all these horror stories of adverse reactions to e.g. Synvisc, but I'm glad to hear that you have had some good experiences with these type of injections. And of course, it is always the horror stories that people share online. If I go ahead with the injection in the near future, I will try to make sure it is on a Friday so I have a few days to "recover".

[WPG]

Hello,

I had two Synvisc one injections 7 months ago, one in each knee. It is a lot of fluid injected into the knee at one time but the injection did not hurt but you do feel the pressure build in your knee. I walked out and drove two hours back home and felt good with in a day or two, no swelling or adverse reactions. Good luck with your injection

[Brandon123]

Thanks for the info, WPG!

I have no idea if Synvisc One is better than other brands, but I have understood it is commonly used.

Due to work, I have postponed the injection until later in the spring...my OS also said that it might help, and it might not, it is impossible to know. He said that these types of injections doesn't have a really good track record for patella-femoral issues, but doesn't really have anything else to offer either, except medications and PT. Exercise is key, he says...but my knee cannot take almost any strenghtening excercises without becoming very stiff, painful, red and hot.

Well, well, I guess Synvisc is still worth a try:)

[Fiorento]

Poor guy, sorry I know this is a very late reply but I am new to all this. I can emphatise, I started a new job on crutches and in a brace recently and it has been awful. I was reading this and I was wondering how things had gone for you after this post. I felt very sorry, it all sounds too familiar. I hope you found some relief and managed to stay positive! It can feel so lonely, all this.