Knees & Syn-Visc

[Morale Officer]

Saw my doc today and ended up with a cortisone injection. Apparently I am one of the 50% that the lateral release didn't last for...which is fitting because the lateral release I had done on my left knee actually did work...and that knee feels fine...the right one on the other hand...well...we'll leave it at that. Anyways, they are working to get my insurance to approve Syn-Visc injections - the synthetic Synovial Fluid replacement. Has anyone had these? Did they work for you? I really don't want to have another surgery...as the next one in line involves breaking some bones, moving my patela around, then screwing the bones in a new place. This of course would put a damper on fencing for about a year...and at 30, I don't really want to do that. I'm definitely curious about the Syn-Visc. I've done a little bit of reading on their web site, but I'd like to see if anyone's had it done. Did you have any issues fencing after that?

[Mac A. Bee]

...the lateral release didn't last...working to get my insurance to approve...synthetic Synovial Fluid replacement.

Have you investigated platelet-dense plasma? The NFLers are using it.

[Morale Officer]

Have you investigated platelet-dense plasma? The NFLers are using it.

Haven't heard of it. I only knew about the SynVisc because the sports doc reccommended it. Maybe I'll look into it.

[Goldgar]

Anyways, they are working to get my insurance to approve Syn-Visc injections - the synthetic Synovial Fluid replacement. Has anyone had these? Did they work for you?

I suspect that the effectiveness of Synvisc is going to depend on exactly what is wrong inside your knee.

I have knees with severe osteoarthritis -- essentially no meniscus left in the right, thin and torn cartilage in the left. I had injections of Orthovisc, which I understand is very similar to Synvisc, in my right knee, and they did work and relieved the pain for a couple of years, allowing me to fence competitively.

Later, I had injections of Orthovisc in my left knee, which was bothering me due to torn cartilage, and those injections did *not* help. However, I am considering trying it again now that the torn cartilage is all worn away.

[foilwatcher]

Had syn-visc injections after several scopes of the knee, not much cartilage left. Doc promised 6 months relief at best, I think Mr. G's experience of several years is somehwat outside normal expectations. I found it a worthless exercise, but, again, I think current ortho-thinking is that it is a short-term fix at best, the body metabolizes/absorbs the synthetic material in months. I found a knee brace and pain killers afterwards the only solution.

[Fencergrl]

I had severe ligament tears in both knees... twice. Plus some cartilage damage. All of this happened before I got out of my teens (as sports played a huge part in my life). I tired strengthening the muscles around the knee by cycling (at my peak I was putting on about 500-1000 kms a week). I could ride pain free but couldn't walk without pain.

I then got into weight training and working out in the gym with a trainer, careful to strengthen and not further damage the joint. Still... I experienced pain and swelling whenever I walked for any distance.

By fluke I found something that changed everything. Omega 3's just started getting some press about 10 years ago. I had a rotator cuff injury that wasn't healing (from wheelchair basketball). So I started taking them. My shoulder got better but what really surprised me is for the first time in about 20 years my knees didn't swell from walking. I started running on a daily basis (something I hadn't done for years). Again... they both felt fine.

I'm not saying this is the solution for everyone. However, Omega 3's have been shown to reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility and brain function. All useful things for a beat-up athlete (like me) who fences.

[fencerwallet]

My son's rehab from knee reconstruction includes a modified diet rich in Omega-3s. No supplements, but more fish, certain nuts and dried fruits, faxseed oil added to smoothies, etc. If you Google it, there are significant studies on the postive physiological effects of Omega-3s, including in collagen production, which in turn facilitates formation of cells for ligament tissue.

[Morale Officer]

Figured I'd give an update. I had 2 of 3 injections of SynVisc so far and so far so good. I have had about 95% pain relief. I still wear a brace on each knee for extra support, but as I said, the pain is almost all gone. I also did end up with standard knickers that fit (Thanks to Rick & Dee @ EscrimeUSA!) over both knee braces, so I didn't hafta shell out the extra $$$ on custom! I get injection #3 on Friday (yes, right before the Cherry Blossom! lol), so hopefully things'll be very good for the weekend! If a doc suggests the SynVisc or surgery for anyone, take the SynVisc first!