Hyaluronic Acid jab to the knee joint

[Bowser1966]

Hi all, I have an arthritic right knee, I have seen 2 consultants, one private one nhs, both were quite negative, the private guy said just have a knee replacement, the nhs guy said try not to have a knee replacement as you're only 60! in the meantime I have been researching other treatments to prolong the life of my knee. I had a Hyaluronic acid jab a couple of days ago, it lubricates the knee and the guy who did it said he's had very good results from his patients. I wondered if any of you guys have heard/had it done?

[Jaybird19]

that is worth remembering . ! i hope it continues to lessen the pain. let us know how you get on

[Bcol]

Hi, I've never had an HA injection in my knees or elsewhere. It seems to be, other than a beauty treatment, a possible help for mild OA. I would guess that if one of your consultants is recommending. total knee replacement (TKR) you are long passed that stage, probably on or close to bone on bone and nothing will help that. 60 years old for a TKR should not be a problem, yes, I had to fight for mine, with my GP, when I was only 50, but from 1999 to now it's still going strong. The best thing I ever did, completely removed the pain and gave me back a very normal life and walk. My advice is get on the list.

[Andy6659]

Well I have had both knees replaced as had arthritis in both and I was 54 and 58years old when had them done. Had all the treatments before but to no avail . Recommend to having them done sooner than later

[Maryreba]

I just recently had the injections but it did not improve. I'm sure surgery is in the future.

[chrisj]

I've never heard of it. I've had a couple of steroid injections that helped, I was able to walk comfortably for some time. I was offered one at my last appointment but I said no as things weren't too bad. OA in both knees.

My GP wanted me to go for surgery a couple of years ago and a replacement but I said no. The last physio was happy to continue with the exercises I've being given, even said the joint might improve but I've never been offered the treatment you mention.

[tselph]

yes, I’ve had it done twice before. I first time was about 11 years ago & the second time was about 5 years ago. The shots are a series of 3 shots, 1 week apart of each other. I am right now going through it again. My second shot is next Monday and again the week after that. They worked wonders for me. I had torn my meniscus initially which lead to laproscopic surgery to remove the torn piece & at that time my doctor said I had stage 4 arthritis in it. The surgery lead to a steroid injection which lead to the Hyaluronic acid injections (Synvisc). These were a life saver for me.

[Jollyjill in reply to tselph]

So pleased to hear a positive response! It has been nothing but doom & gloom from most people most of whom seem pro TKR. I’m getting both knees injected with Synvisc on Tuesday & am also in physical therapy (USA) so am anticipating good results to my 2 bone on bone knees. No actual pain in the knees but they don’t adequately support the muscles in my thighs & calves which is the problem. Hope you continue to improve!

[Blackknight1989]

Replacement is the way to go for long term relief. I had both knees replaced, both hips replaced and both ankles fused between the ages of 40 and 49. Today I’m 58 and pain free…well except for shoulders and most other joints. But, the point is joint replacements are a valid choice for long term relief regardless of age (if you can find a Doc who isn’t as closed minded as your NHS doctor you mentioned in your post. Who cares if you are only 60…current joint replacement technology and techniques can allow the replacement to last upwards of 20+ years. I had both hips replaced in 2007 & 2008 then both knees replaced in 2010 and 2011. All is functioning as it should be in both sets of joints and most importantly I’m not laying awake at night in pain. The injection you had while you probably feel some relief now I expect that’ll wane within the next two weeks (I am not wishing pain and suffering on you). To the contrary, I wish only to share my experience of 20 years at attempting to, as you mention, prolong the life of the knee. Which translated means AVIOD a total joint replacement, right?. I had those shots in both hips, knees, shoulders and ankles multiple times and the pain relief (noticeable anyway) lasted only about 2-3 weeks. The benefit to the joint was SOME short-term pain relief and seeming to function without as much stiffness or tenderness. Though the relief lasted only about 4-5 weeks. The results were so disappointing that after 3 series of shots, I quit getting them as they just weren’t worth the hassle. Long term all I was trying to do was avoid a total joint replacement in my 30s. I did as I had the first hip replaced in 2006 [I was almost 40 years old so I DID avoid the total joint in my 30s…lol] but by 2012 I had had 6 additional surgeries and 3 more replacements. However, after those years surgeries, I finally was able to sleep through the night again as the pain and stiffness had affected my ability to sleep soundly for almost those entire 6 years. One of my many health issues is early onset osteoarthritis (it’s just regular “old man’s” arthritis) but severe enough to warrant bilateral hip replacement in 2008 at age 42. Yet that surgery was after I waited as long as possible without the pain driving me insane. In fact, I waited until I needed the aid of crutches to walk before having the replacement so the pain relief alone has been worth any downside of being so young at replacement time. I can promise you this, if it is truly an arthritic knee it will continue to deteriorate and increase in severity of pain…(Again I’m not trying to be a jerk or wish you ill will, only relate my similar experience). The pain level will force a decision to have a replacement (most likely) as eventually the pain is constant and unyeilding (though I’m not wishing that fate upon you only relating my experience,). I had my first knee replaced in 2004 and the second in 2009…both continue to perform well for me currently. I wish you all the best in life and with your unruly knee.

[Ph77-65twz in reply to Blackknight1989]

Got osteoarthritis in both knees and pain getting worse feel like it’s a shark attack , limping at work , had sciatica , gallstones horrific and slipped disc but this osteoarthritis is something else every step a nightmare and stairs to be avoided it completely isolates you too it’s bad think knee replacement the way to go.

[Rosiepolly1 in reply to Ph77-65twz]

Hi I hope your doing as well as can be.

Oh you have my total sympathy, I’ve had both knees replaced the last one was last January and I can honestly say the pain I was going through and keeping me awake most nights isn’t there anymore. I had a little trouble with my wound but once that healed I felt so much better.

I hope that helps a little I would definitely recommend speaking to your doctor.

Good luck 😊

[Bowser1966]

The knee has been good since the 2 jabs.

[Blackknight1989 in reply to Bowser1966]

That’s awesome and truly I hope the relief continues….weight bearing joints seem to worsen quicker post synvisc injections then non-weight bearing joints, at least that was my experience. My OA was so severe I had bilateral knee and hip replacements as well a both ankles fused by 2012 prior to my 46th birthday. My first knee at age 36 and the pain finally forced my decision as I could no longer function due to the pain…I need both shoulders and both ankles replaced but that’s a 3/4 year commitment (approximately with a good 6 month rehab for full joint recovery or at least the CHANCE of full joint recovery). Probably TMI but wanted to give you my experience and wish you the best in your recovery!

[tselph]

I’ve had these injections (Synvisc or Hyaluronic acid) in both my knees on 3 different occasions. Once in the right knee in 2015, then in 2018 and 3 months ago in both knees. Not sure if my last ones did the trick. I tore the meniscus in my right knee & had to have orthoscopic surgery to remove half of it. At that time I was told I had severe arthritis in that right knee. I’m sure it is the same in my left knee.