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

[panhines]

I had an ankle replacement about 2 years ago. I wish I had had it 12 years ago. I've had a total of 9 ankle surgeries [right ankle] at this point.  The fusion made it a lot better, but not perfect. I still have a fair amount of pain from severe arthritis.  And now I'm getting arthritis in my knee because of the increased pressure from walking oddly [a side effect of a fusion]. I'm going to talk to my doctor about synvisc or other possible injections. If there's something that can help I'm all for it.

[Proch]

10 days after my 3rd injection, my ankle actually feels pretty good...  I have to admit though, I believe that it's more a result of staying off of it (out of the gym, etc) from the soreness post-injections than it is from the injections themselves.  Time will tell.  I'll try to remember to write back in a couple of weeks after I've resumed my normal activities for a reasonable amount of time.  

[denhk]

My story is similar.  Broken ankle when a child but a couple of other bad sprains from sports injuries.   The ankle was always weak and sore when over used but not a problem.  One year ago I developed pain that stopped me from jogging.  I have different pain when I wear different kinds of shoes.  Bare foot is the best situation.  But ir is sore most of the time and hurts when walking depending on my shoes and some days are better than others.

First dr. gave me three different cortisone injections that gave relief for a few days.  I then saw another more specialized Dr who immediately said it was arthritis and that my options were fusion or replacement but that Synvisc could help delay the inevitable.  I had the Synvisc injections starting 3 months ago.  Had discomfort and swelling with the 3rd one that lasted a couple weeks.  I saw little help until the past 2 to 3 weeks I would say the sharp pain I occasionally get is less intense.  No silver bullet.

I have now seen another specialist from the best ortho group in Chicago and he pretty much confirms the diagnosis.  I was hoping he would see something else.  Although he does say I have issues with a number of joints in the foot that would make even a replacement risky for me.   I am not in great pain but it is uncomfortable walking and I cannot run any more.  He has prescribed a brace that he says should relieve the pain greatly when I am walking much.  It is not a problem to wear and you can with regular shoes.  I will see if *** helps.  Just got it today.

Can't believe there isn't a way to fix this problem without taking your ankle out.  You would think something to slip between the bones would be an easy process in the world of modern medicine.

[Proch]

Broke my right ankle back in '87 when I was 17 and had surgery to repair it.  I've always had some discomfort when I use the ankle excessively, but it's all been a lot worse in the past year.  The Ortho talked me into a round of Synvisc shots - three over the course of three weeks, which I just finished.  As people have pointed out, the injections are painful but bearable.  After, the soreness seems to subside over the next 48 hours.  At first, it's pretty bad - walking is unpleasant and avoided.  The next day is still painful, but amounts to not much more than a bit of a limp.  I'll try to remember to report back in a few weeks as to whether or not it was all worth it.

[cag119]

Thanks for all the helpful information and posting your original message years ago. I, like the rest here have the same issues with my ankle following a sever break, and then going to a law enforcement academy with it broken. I had my ankle scoped last year to clean out the joint to include removing some bone chips floating around. I'm worse off now following that surgery. I'm starting my first Synvisc series tomorrow all with hopes of postponing the ankle replacement. I’m 36, too young! Anyway, I’ll keep you all posted and will start researching the stem cell alternative.

Thanks again Chris for the update.

Andrew

[tmstl2002]

I have had synvisc therapy for 3 years, and it has worked miracles. I had a severe break in 2003 and had 1 year with no pain. I had the scope surgery in 2005 and in 2006 began the synvisc therapy. I have the injections once a year and they are wonderful. I have no cartilage, and am 32 years old. I am not ready to fuse my ankle, and that seems to be the next step. The synvisc needs to be FDA approved for the ankle, there are plenty of us with osteoarthritis that could use the help.