DON BAHNUIK: PATIENT WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE IMPROVES HIS MOBILITY

Former professional Canadian football player Don Bahnuik played defensive tackle for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1966-1974. Don was part of the championship team that won the 1966 Grey Cup. Despite being diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, find out how Don improves his mobility and found pain relief.

Don experienced instability in his right knee after tearing the remaining part of his ACL (originally a football injury) while hiking 18 years ago. Approximately five years ago, this instability transitioned to pain and discomfort in his right knee, and within a year, due to increased dependency on his left leg, he also began to feel pain and discomfort in his left knee.

Don experienced pain, weakness and discomfort in his knees primarily while walking down the stairs and getting in and out of his car. He has lived in a two-story home for over forty years, and wherever he is, he always tries using the stairs and avoids the elevator in order to stay active and maintain his knee strength.

“When walking down the stairs, I was never sure when my knee was going to give out. Getting in and out of the car was also difficult; I had to use my arm strength to push myself out.”

Don was not keen on any surgery or knee replacements; therefore, no treatment was sought for many years until the pain and discomfort began to increase. He began researching and questioning alternatives and sought medical advice from his family doctor and a sports doctor. Following x-rays on both knees, the doctors confirmed that Don had osteoarthritis. The replacement of the synovial fluid in the knees seemed like a sensible option, and Synvisc-One®​ ended up the recommended choice by his doctor.

Synvisc-One®​ (hylan G-F 20) is a gel-like fluid, containing a derivative of hyaluronic acid, that is used as a temporary replacement and supplement for joint fluid. Synvisc-One®​ is the only formulation that mimics the elasticity and thickness of joint fluid​ (called synovial fluid). Synvisc-One®​ can provide relief for knee pain and decrease discomfort, allowing more extensive movement of the knee. SYNVISC®/Synvisc-One®​ is the most widely-used across Canada and is the only one that can be used for all stages of joint and knee pathology.

Don attended a local arthritis clinic before his injections. An orthopedic specialist administered the Synvisc-One®​ injection in both knees.

“The Synvisc-One®​ injection made a lot of sense to me, so I had no hesitation moving forward. I am prepared to invest in my health, especially with the results I have had*.”

Today, Don remains active; his daily activities alternate with walking, hiking, and cycling as well as leg/knee muscle strengthening exercises. “After the injection, I have less discomfort walking down stairs and am a lot more at ease getting in and out of the car. I am now able to do both with much less knee pain and discomfort*. I try to walk 10,000 steps a day and stay active. Losing weight has also helped my knee pain. I have been very satisfied with Synvisc-One®.”

To learn more about SYNVISC®/Synvisc-One®, click here.

This product may not be right for you. Consult your health professional.

* Actual case study. Results may vary for each individual.

Synvisc-One®​ is only intended for intra-articular use by a physician to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.