Synvisc for the Ankle?

[ChrisJan]

Hello everyone,

              I just joined this forum a few days ago. I was researching Synvisc for my husband, whose doctor is recommending the injections for his ankle. The doctor was very frank with him, telling him that it is not yet FDA approved for ankles, but it is a permitted "off label" use. Apparently it has been approved in Europe, and the doc feels it is imminent in the U.S.

               My husband, Gerry, broke his ankle in a motorcycle accident when hew was 21. He is now 56, works a physical job where he is on his feet most of the day, and has been in pain for the past 10 years. He has been in SEVERE pain for the last two years, and EXCRUTIATING pain for the last six months.

               He's been taking the glucosamine since it first came out, he elevates and ices it every evening, has had a chiropractor give him some kind of "electro" therapy.  He finally agreed to see an orthopedist who took X-rays (the chiro never did) and showed Gerry that there is simply no cartilage left in there; the pain is from bone on bone.

                The doc gave him a cortisone injection that day, which took a few days to kick in, and that has provided some relief. The doctor suggested ankle replacement surgery, but the recovery time is too long right now. Besides the fact that we don't have health insurance and would be paying 100% ourselves, he would not be able to get 2 to 3 months off from work.

                 The doctor then suggested the Synvisc.  So my question is, has anyone here tried it? What has your experience been?

                  Sorry if this so long.  I look forward to hearing from someone.   Thank You!

                  Chris

[TonyLee64]

Hello ,

Thanks for the  information. I just had my first injection today and hope that this works. I have had two surgeries and fusion is the next course of action if this does not work. The synvisc was reccomeneded by one of my doctors.

TonyLee

[clb_1960]

After having the fusion, synvisc wont work for you. Synvisc is a joint lubrication and once you have you ankle fused and the joint is no longer moving there is nothing to lubricate.

[Jackson007]

6/7/11

Just had my 1st injection today.  I broke my ankle 25 yrs ago (now 55)  in three places, have two screws still in place; and also, like most others have not cartilage, just bone on bone.  I do hope this injection works I am tried of wearing all those awful braces and taking Aleve daily.  What I have read so far it seems that its about 50/50 chance it will work.  I will keep ya'll up to date.

Jackson007

[Proch]

Well, I'm sorry to report that in my case, the synvisc did not help.  The ankle remains the same - the more I use it, the more it hurts.  I did walk 18 holes (very short course) the other day, but I certainly paid for it that night and the next couple days (painful to the touch).  The only thing that seems to work for me is Advil, but after taking it for 20 years the doctor thinks it may have elevated my blood pressure - so I try only use it when I really need it now.  I don't think I will ever opt for a fusion, since it's my right ankle and I think that'd ruin my golf game.  Just going with pain management, and hoping that something groundbreaking materializes in the future.  Good luck all.

[noisyhummer]

I just stumbled across this site.  I am 2 weeks into ankle distraction for severe osteo-arthritis.  It took me a year of research to find this technique and a doctor to perform it.  I'd like to share my experience and reseach with anyone facing possible fusion or ankle replacement.  I believe this is a great alternative for the right candidate.  You can search for my blog under ankle arthritis on blogspot for more info.

[suzy40]

I had surgery at age 15 for a trimaleolar fracture in my right ankle (fractured major 3 ankle bones and had a screw inserted), and at 53 have severe osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease (for about the past 2-3 years). I  had surgery again last year and had the 35 year old screw removed, but it didn't help relieve my pain. Have been to multiple docs including orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologist, PT, etc. get cortisone shots which help for about 2 months, on an NSAID daily, and just tried Synvisc-One two weeks ago for the first time in my ankle joint and tibia, and hoping that it works in another week or two. Still very sore 24x7 and sleep with an ice pack wrapped around my ankle. Will keep everyone informed and please let me know how Synvisc in your ankle works for you. Last hope. Thanks. Suzy40