Durolane and Swelling: What Users Say

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "This year my insurance changed and decided I no longer needed the Synvisc-One injections that I had been getting for the past 3 years. They would only approve Durolane. I had never tried it and assumed it was an equivalent to the other. Boy, was I wrong!! I wish I had done my research before getting it. I received the injection in my right knee and immediately was overcome by excruciating pain that radiated throughout my whole leg. I was in so much pain and it would NOT stop. My knee instantly swelled and seized up. After an hour of sitting in the Dr.'s office, I had to get my husband to come pick me up from the appointment. I couldn't even get my clothes back on. I could not put weight on that knee for a week. The pain is worse now than before the injection. I do NOT recommend this drug."

• Beb...
• December 5, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I had Durolane injection in both knees yesterday. I have a headache so bad. I feel sick to my stomach, my left knee is larger and hard from the top of my knee and down, he drained it yesterday as well. I don’t know what to I wish I didn’t get it. This is the worst feeling. If I feel the same tomorrow I will call the Dr's office again. My right knee is very sore. They feel like someone is hitting me in the knees with a hammer, not stopping? I hope it’s not a blood clot. I don't know. I can hardly walk. For me day 2 it’s terrible, thank you for letting me tell my experience"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Day three after my first Durolane shots in both knees. Right knee, no problem. Left knee, pain with some swelling for two days. Now feeling great! I am excited to see how the next few months go. Word of advice: ice, elevate, and Aleve. Rest for 48 hours, it’s worth it! Good luck."

• Sus...
• December 31, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis in both knees, torn meniscus surgery three years ago. I have had two rounds of cortisone shots in the past year as well. Nothing has helped, so I decided I would try the gel injections. I wish I had read the reviews before I put myself through pure misery. Both legs were injected with Durolane on December 12, 2019. They were the most painful shots I have ever had! I could barely walk after the injections at the office. I followed my doctor’s orders and iced both knees several times. By the evening, I was in so much pain. I couldn’t sleep at all that night. I went the first two weeks with so much discomfort while trying to sleep. For several days, I could barely walk. Now it’s been three weeks, and my knees are no better. In fact, my right knee stays swollen, sore, and painful most of the time. My left knee aches daily. I can barely bend my knees, sit on the toilet, or put on clothes. I do not recommend getting these injections!"

• SC ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Today is Day 5 after my injection. I really regretted the decision on days 1-4. Yesterday was particularly bad, with one of my knees buckling every few steps. Today, I have no pain, and I am greatly relieved. Apparently, the internal swelling caused the nerve pain. Swelling is gone, and pain subsided. Yeah!!!"

• jci...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "This is the 6-month after injection report. The first 3 weeks I had swelling due to too much Durolane fluid in my knee. Months 2, 3, 4, and 5 got better, morning stiff but flex out as the day goes along. Swelling started in month 6, not pain but sore when walking. My 3 Synvisc treatments worn out after 3 to 5 months. So I will get my second Durolane injection this week, see if it's as good as the first one."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "August 30 injection. Now December 8. No relief. Knee still painful and more swelling. Also constant ‘squishy’ sound & feeling when flexing knee. Feels like the gel is still just sitting in there in one spot. Can’t recommend."

• syb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I'm glad I didn't read the reviews before having this injection, or I might never have tried it. My left knee is bone on bone, and I tore the meniscus on Christmas Eve 2020. My knee is in such bad shape the ortho surgeon wouldn't do a repair - said it wouldn't be worth it without replacing it totally. He suggested trying the Durolane injection, and I did. It didn't do anything for the first almost 3 weeks, but then one day I realized I didn't need my crutches anymore and could walk without pain for the first time in about 2 years. Yes, the injection is very uncomfortable. And yes, I feel crappy afterwards, and my knee is swollen, painful, and stiff. But I had 6 pretty much pain-free months before needing my second one just this week. I'm 53, and if this can help me put off knee replacement, then I will be a happy camper."

• Wil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Six months ago, I received my first Durolane injection into my left knee. I had been struggling for almost one year with pain and swelling, and my mobility was very restricted, a challenge with a farm lifestyle plus a full-time job that requires I be able to walk. About 10 days post-injection, I experienced greatly improved mobility. The swelling in the knee gradually diminished, as did the pain. I have had six months of greatly improved mobility. It got better and better over the six months. Now, getting a second injection to maintain the benefits. It definitely was a great solution for me until I get the knee replaced."

• Tho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I have chronic osteoarthritis. I have had four knee surgeries, and I am 48. In the past, I had Synvisc One injections. This time, my surgeon administered Durolane. He had to go in twice because he didn't let the freezing sit, and the pain was agonizing. As I'm eight weeks post-op, I had to use crutches to leave, and I'm now on day two. I can bend my knee, but when I go to raise my leg or do any extension, the underneath part of my kneecap feels so tight and bruised I can't lift it or flex it. I'll stay off it one more day. But I'm not sure how to rate this. Knees pretty swollen and in pain. I had the same swelling from Synvisc One, but not the under kneecap pain. My surgeon did it in his office, no ultrasound like I had previously. Anyway, I'll keep you posted. Thanks for reading."

• Dds...
• May 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I was given injections in both knees on May 7th. My doc did not give me the injections, his PA did. My first mistake. He hit a blood vessel, and my knee was so disfigured it didn’t even look like a knee. The medication settled in a huge lump for days, and I couldn’t walk on it for 4 days. Fast forward to May 15, and both knees started to hurt again. 4 days ago, I made an 8-hour trip. When I got to my destination, they hurt. I had to climb stairs, so by Sunday, they both had swelled up, including my ankles, and I found a lump below my right knee. Today, I had to go to the ER because the pain is so unbearable I can’t breathe, and mind you, I take strong meds for my back and neck. They didn’t touch the pain! I thought I might have a blood clot due to my calf now having a Charlie horse that won’t go away, my knee to ankle is swollen up so bad my foot doesn’t even look normal. Also, it feels like I have a 12-inch knife sticking out of my knee. Just say NO!"

• Dds...
• May 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I was given injections in both knees on May 7th. My doc did not give me the injections, his PA did. My first mistake. He hit a blood vessel, and my knee was so disfigured it didn’t even look like a knee. The medication settled in a huge lump for days, and I couldn’t walk on it for 4 days. Fast forward to May 15, and both knees started to hurt again. 4 days ago, I made an 8-hour trip. When I got to my destination, they hurt. I had to climb stairs, so by Sunday, they both had swelled up, including my ankles, and I found a lump below my right knee. Today, I had to go to the ER because the pain is so unbearable I can’t breathe, and mind you, I take strong meds for my back and neck. They didn’t touch the pain! I thought I might have a blood clot due to my calf now having a Charlie horse that won’t go away, my knee to ankle is swollen up so bad my foot doesn’t even look normal. Also, it feels like I have a 12-inch knife sticking out of my knee. Just say NO!"

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I absolutely hate this drug. Synvisc worked wonderfully for me, but they started recommending Durolane because it is a single dose. Had both knees done, and my left one in particular is terrible. It is swelling, still bruised, and hurts from the hip to the ankle. Why is this drug even on the market? I'm in more pain than I was before. 500 mg naproxen twice a day won't even touch it. If I could use a negative number to review, I would. This pain is directly affecting my job and quality of life."

• VA ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "Like others have stated, insurance switched this year and would not approve Synvisc, which worked beautifully for me the last few years. I get an injection about every 10 months. The day of the injection felt fine, just some swelling. Day 2, I can barely walk and my knee is swollen, and it's painful. My face, neck, and chest are bright red. None of this happened with Synvisc."

• Kem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "Had the injections in both knees on 10/4, and was barely able to walk a day or two later, it was so painful and inflamed. I was icing and living on Tylenol and ibuprofen. Called the doctor after several days, and he gave me a 5-day pack of prednisone, which took away the inflammation. It has now been 6 weeks, and I don’t feel as if they worked, my knees are worse than prior to the injections. My insurance approved Monovisc, so I have no idea why the doctor changed... worse experience with my knees ever. I would not recommend."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I would give this injection a minus 10! This lab should be sued for selling this product. The pain and swelling have been excruciating right after it was injected. I have not been able to walk or sleep from the pain it has created. It also caused me respiratory problems plus swelling of the knees. Insurance decided to change it to a low-cost product like Durolane. Please do not use this injection."

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I’m in so much pain since my Durolane injections 1 week ago. I’m bone on bone and had numerous knee surgeries; I know pain, and this by far is the most painful injection I’ve ever had. I was shocked as I could barely walk out of the doctor’s office after receiving my injections and so grateful I was driven to my appointment; I would not have been able to drive. I’m unable to stand for more than 10 minutes and still have extreme stiffness and inflammation and need to elevate and ice daily. After reading these comments about Durolane and the extremely large co-pay from my insurance, I feel helpless in ending my chronic knee pain; I’m not ready for knee replacements as I’m in my 50s. I’m praying for everyone who is suffering with pain from osteoarthritis and the lingering side effects from this drug. There has to be a better solution out there?"

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have had injections of 1 mg in each big toe joint over the last 2 years for severe OA. The total is 4 sessions. The first time I had relief within 5 hours. I had no side effects, and I had success in pain relief and mobility. Second injections were 9 months later, and again, no side effects. I was told they don’t usually last a full year, and I was lucky the injections lasted for that time period. Cost was $420 for both feet and covered by my insurance. The third time was a year ago, and it was a success. I had recent injections this week, and the experience was different. I have had a reaction in both feet of swelling and pain around the joints. Hope it goes away soon. I can’t get my shoes on. I have tried icing and pain relievers, but nothing helps so far."

• mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Had Durolane in 2019, both knees was excellent. Wish I did it again in 2020, but thought would be ok, but my knees just got worse because of work, repetitive work, and my knees are now bone on bone. Spoke to my doctor, and he said I would need a knee replacement in a year or so, so I decided to get another Durolane knee injection. I had it last Friday, 4/23/2021, and needed to rest for 3 days, which I did. It's been very good, just need to take it easy. Pain and swelling come and go, at least I can sleep at night. I did some research, and they say that it takes a week or so for the best results, so far not bad. I just need to really take it easy. I am going to do the left knee too soon and will post for updates. I think you just have to wait, say, 2 weeks for the best results to kick in."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 4, 2024

For Osteoarthritis "I have had 4 Durolane injections in my right knee without ultrasound guidance, all with the same nurse practitioner. I was lucky the first 3 times. The shot wasn't comfortable, but it didn't hurt too bad. He got the medicine into my joint those times, and I had significant pain relief from my bone-on-bone OA for months each time. The last time he did my Durolane injection, he missed. I could tell he missed and did not get it into my joint by the way it felt. It was absolutely excruciating. I sobbed and hyperventilated for a long time before I was able to hobble home. Now I know what the rest of these 1/10 reviewers experienced. I'm so terribly sorry for all of us. I had a weird golf ball-sized swelling above my knee for about a week. I couldn't walk and had to use a cane. I will get ultrasound guidance next time. I won't let anybody wing it again."

• Do...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "I’m 29 years old and was active. I have knee pain that’s been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and floating debris with Hoffa fat pad impingement. I was given Durolane on 5 April 2023, it’s now the 25th of April, and I have been in constant pain with sharp, random shooting pains at rest. Before the injection, I was able to carry out my physio program, now I’m having to rest and ice it as it’s constantly in pain with slight swelling. My doctor has slapped me on endone and is telling me it’s all in my head. I'm beyond frustrated and emotional. I'm now waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon."

• Doc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I have bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my left knee. I have, over the past five or so years, had five or six Synvisc injections. They have worked well for me, lasting for six or eight months. The injections are fairly painless, with only the sensation of fullness in my knee for a day or so, no pain. I was given my first Durolane injection three days ago. It is the most painful injection I have ever had. It hurt like anything. I am three days out and still cannot bend my knee fully. The swelling and the redness have improved, but I still have a moderate amount of discomfort. I will NEVER put myself through this again. I will stick with Synvisc, even if it means a decreased injection interval."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I have arthritis in my right knee and have extreme pain after the injection of Durolane on 12/3/21. It is now March, and I can’t walk well at all. My knee is swollen, and the pain is unbelievable. My orthopedic MD has no answers for me, he pulled 30 cc of fluid from my knee and said there is nothing he can do! So I went to another MD, and he said I have bone on bone in my knee. I am scheduled for a total knee in June. Please research this injection before you get it. Not a good choice at all."

• Wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "This injection by a PA was incredibly painful. I thought I was going to pass out from the pain. I had to be helped out to the waiting room since I could not walk with the pain. My knee was swollen three times the size before the injection. Could not sleep in bed...had to sleep in a recliner. The doctor's office just kept saying to take a pain reliever and use ice. I suffered for six days like this, and then my original pain returned. I would never recommend this stuff to my worst enemy."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "Received a cortisone injection that gave me about 8 months of fair relief for moderate to severe knee OA. Trying to delay surgery while I lose weight to ease recovery. The second time, he injected, and my pain became horribly crippling. The doctor was dumbfounded, perhaps you hit a nerve, maybe? I sought a different doctor and found one more personable with less ego. By the time I could get another cortisone injection, I was waiting for the pre-auth for Durolane. His cortisone injection gave me improvement and hope! I wasn't walking with a nasty limp and looked forward to getting active again to lose weight. Then, when I got the Durolane injection, it's been stabbing pain, constant stiffness, swelling, and limping again. It's been a month with no improvement. My knee was better, not great though, those weeks after the cortisone and before the Durolane. I will return at 3 months and 1 day for the cortisone again. Definitely not Durolane again in 6 months. Maybe try Synvisc's version instead since I can't have surgery until I lose more weight."