Skip to main content

Orthovisc for Osteoarthritis User Reviews

Orthovisc has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 173 reviews for the treatment of Osteoarthritis. 58% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Orthovisc rating summary

6.4 average rating out of 10

173 ratings from 173 user reviews.

Compare all 185 medications used in the treatment of Osteoarthritis.

10
29%
9
21%
8
8%
7
1%
6
6%
5
3%
4
1%
3
2%
2
2%
1
28%

Reviews for Orthovisc

  • Tre...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 6, 2024

"I've been successfully getting injections for 4 years. I was using a brace and hobbled around for many years before the injections. This has completely saved me. I do not have bone on bone though."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2023

"I just got done with my 3rd injection. I have osteoarthritis in my left knee. I'm 68 years old and have run most of my life. Orthovisc got rid of the pain. As long as I don't run, I can hike, bike, and workout at the gym."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 28, 2023

"I first tried Orthovisc approximately 3 years ago, and I got instant relief from my bone-on-bone knee problem. I just completed my three shots over three weeks for the second time and have similar results. I’m not sure if it’s Orthovisc or Synvisc this time, but again it works for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Nan...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 28, 2022

"Posting on behalf of my friend. Had 2 shots 15 mg/ml orthovisc the pain was unbearable but on the 3 rd shot she had been told to stop taking her Amitriptylan 3 to 4 days prior to having the orthovisc shot. It worked and she hardly felt any pain from the injection. Maybe can help any one that is taking Amatripylan to consider stopping taking it 3 or 4 days prior. She swears that is what helped manage the pain."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
0 Report
  • So...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 10, 2022

"I suffer from a bone on bone condition plus severe Osteoporosis in my right knee. I had my left knee replaced in 2016, developed sepsis and almost died. Needless to say I’m not feeling great about another surgery. I’ve been doing cortisone shots with limited results. I had my second injection today. It’s amazing that the pain is almost gone. I’ve gained weight because I’ve been unable to do much other than upper body routines. I told doc today I’m actually sensing the mechanics of the knee are working and I’m able to walk with a natural gait. Fingers crossed that I get some relief for awhile. I’m already optimistic this will work and thinking positive thoughts. I had nothing to lose. I also have to herniated disc’s in my sacrum so I’m no stranger to pain. I don’t want surgery but I’ll take things a day at a time. Shots were not painful at all. I can’t believe how much better I am doing already."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
0 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Ste...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 6, 2022

"7 years ago I damaged both knees by repetitive dropping to my knees in a low clearance engine room on a boat, every hour over a 2 week journey to inspect for issues. By the end of the trip I was in severe pain and had to see an Orthopedic physician. After examination, x-rays and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, great volumes of fluid were removed from both knees for several weeks, including visible cartilage in the fluid. Initial treatments with cortisone relieved the pain, but did not last. My physician did not want surgery except as a last resort. I was given 3 shots (1 per week) of Orthovisc and after the series I saw immediate and significant pain relief. The physician expected "Maybe a year" before I would need a new series. The 1st series yielded 3 years of pain free movement of my knees! I am now 70 years old and have just completed my 3rd series of treatments over 7 years - I am seeing 3 years of pain free use of my knees with each Orthovisc series. Excellent results."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Dan...
  • December 29, 2021

"Everything is perfect, it worked very well for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 1, 2021

"This has work for me to manage my chronic knee pain due osteoarthritis. In my experience the pain relief lasts right about 6 months."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Goo...
  • August 25, 2021

"74 yo male. 190 lbs. I’ve been on Orthovisc injections for approximately 4 years. It is a wonder drug. Efficacy of the 3 shot series lasts for approximately 20-24 weeks. Maximum results of pain relief and increased range of motion are experienced within two weeks after the third injection. It works for me. I will NOT be considering knee replacement surgery anytime soon."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Cah...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 10, 2021

"I am 65 years old and have had Orthovisc injections for over five years now. I have osteoarthritis of my left knee, especially of the patella. These injections have helped far better than cortisone injections."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • KPa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 6, 2020

"I just finished my 3rd shot of Orthovisc in my left knee last week. I'm hoping to avoid surgery. No shot in right knee, had knee replacement for osteoarthritis 5 years ago. I went skiing yesterday (downhill), and it went great. I'd lost my left turn last year because my left knee was so painful, it was excruciating, despite Voltaren gel, naproxen 500 mg, and a knee brace. But yesterday, it had no pain. Today, both my knees are a little stiff, and they are still sore going down or up stairs, but not terribly. I had no reaction to the shots, no swelling or pain. The PA who injected my shots was very skilled, and though the second one hurt going in, I couldn't even feel number 1 and 3. Even so soon after these shots, I've experienced major improvement in my left knee. It was a hassle dealing with the insurance, and I still have a big co-pay, but worth it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Als...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 6, 2020

"I am 74 years old, bone-on-bone both knees. Three years ago my right leg kept collapsing, I couldn't walk down subway steps, etc. I started Orthovisc shots in the right knee and just added the left knee. I can now do squats and lunges, etc. (which they said would be totally impossible) with no pain thanks to Orthovisc shots every 6 months and regular exercise to build up muscles around the joints."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
57 Report
  • Pee...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 10, 2019

"I am going in for my second shot of Orthovisc for both knees. I was extremely skeptical about it but gave it a try since the cortisone treatments only lasted for a few months. My first round of shots of Orthovisc were fantastic! I felt relief in a short space of time. No more concrete-like heaviness in the knees or crackling and shooting pain, except in the winter. Mine were in a lot of pain due to fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, plus a car accident where they got smushed between two cars. So there was A LOT to the pain. Orthovisc worked wonders for me, personally. Plus, it has been helpful for 1-2 years. I can't remember how long it's been, but it's been quite a while, maybe even 3 years. I hope the second round works as well as the first did. And that everyone using it will find similar relief in it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
92 Report
  • GYo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 19, 2019

"27 years old. ACL reconstruction in the left knee (quad tendon graft). Recently diagnosed with OA. Pain and stiffness were getting worse by the day as I have been increasing my activity for the past year playing basketball. I am currently on my second injection and have been pain-free ever since the first injection. My knee has become much more flexible and even stronger. No more crunchiness and stiffness. Orthovisc has simply been amazing and even life-changing for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
58 Report
  • Muz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 11, 2019

"Changed my life. I had discomfort in basic things like walking up and down stairs, and the pain has disappeared. Amazing product."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 11, 2019

"Orthovisc has been excellent from injection 1."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 11, 2019

"I'm 72 with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my knees. Orthovisc has been a miracle for me. I got THREE YEARS of relief! I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I feel like a really lucky girl that it works for me. Good luck, everyone!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
86 Report
  • Ric...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 4, 2019

"I have been very active in many sports all my life. I am now 80, and for the last 30 years, I have played tennis 2 to 4 times a week. Eight months ago, my right knee was bone on bone, and I was having trouble maintaining my tennis regimen. So I had 3 shots of Orthovisc over 3 weeks, with remarkable results. The shots were minimally painful and worked like a charm, as I was soon back on the courts. It has now been almost 9 months, and I continue to be pain-free. My doctor has recommended another 3 shots, which I just started, to maintain my good results."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Tat...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 16, 2018

"Had three knee surgeries in 2005. Since then I have been getting injections the past seven years with Orthovisc. A great sports doctor surgeon gives them to me every six months. Lay around for two days with ice. Sure they hurt but not for long. It is touchy in the injection spot for three or so days. I get three over three weeks. I would say yes, doing this is better than surgery and months of rehab. I'm 63 now and plan on shots until they stop working on me. Doc told me I'm a record for her. Going into 13 years on injections since '05. OUCH LOL. But yes, Orthovisc is the ticket."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • G I...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 1, 2018

"I had treatment 3+ years ago. Treatment lasted so far!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • The...
  • September 11, 2018

"I've had continuous knee problems and really want to share my story because hopefully doctors and insurance will see Orthovisc as more of an acceptable treatment for younger people. I had Orthovisc injections 5 years ago and was pain-free for about 4 years. As far as I can tell, I've had no side effects, and after all the failed physical therapy and failed cortisone injections that left scar tissue, I was so happy with the pain relief Orthovisc left me in both my knees and the life I was able to lead without pain. Now that I'm trying to get Orthovisc injections again, I'm being told that it's not an option. That I have to start from square one with physical therapy and cortisone. Unfortunately, my options are cortisone and surgery. Hopefully my review on Orthovisc will spread and more people may share their stories about it. Hopefully one day there will be enough success stories that Orthovisc or similar treatments become more accepted by doctors and insurance."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Hik...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 5, 2018

"This is my 3rd time getting the Orthovisc injections. I have also had Synvisc, Uflexa, and Hyalgen in the past. The Orthovisc gives me the most relief out of all of them. My doctor uses a fluoroscope to ensure the needle is in the right place. He usually does a pain-free injection. If it does hurt, it’s minor and doesn’t last long. I make sure to ice my knees several times after each injection and take it easy for 48 hours. Within a few weeks of finishing the series, I am almost pain-free! I get the injections about every 6 months. I am hoping to avoid knee replacement by doing the injections. I’ve heard it’s possible, so I’m going for it. I really appreciate the Orthovisc for the quality of life I have with it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
28 Report
  • Woo...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 4, 2018

"My first round of Orthovisc I was told would last 6 to 9 months for my bone-on-bone knee pain. The shots were painless, and I was pain-free for two years. Now I am back for my second round. It sure beats knee replacement, which was my only other option. I am having pain again, so I am ready for round two. Hope it lasts as long this time. I highly recommend it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Gab...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 30, 2018

"Felt better almost immediately. Been dealing with knee pain for 10+ years. Done many things: cortisone, arthroscopy, PT, and nothing worked until this. Shots were not painful at all, but in my left knee, the gel hurt more than the right, but it’s possible since that knee is more of a mess with excess fluid that there may be a correlation. Hopefully I’ll be able to start running for the first time in years. I had a great sports med orthopedist who really knew what I needed. Of course, I went to 3 others prior."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • 48 ...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 15, 2017

"Osteoarthritis in the right knee eventually led to bone on bone. After my last scope in November 2015, the pain persisted to where I had a steroid injection. It relieved some of the pain for 2 months (considered non-effective according to FDA), then the excruciating pain returned. The last nonsurgical option was Orthovisc, which all 3 injections were very painful. I didn't experience relief until 2-3 weeks after the last injection. I have been pain-free, with an occasional very brief episode (seconds) of some pain. Now it's October 2017, and it's been wearing off. But 12 months' worth of no pain was definitely worth it. So glad I toughed it out!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.