A single injection of intra-articular Botox (botulinum toxin Type A) may significantly decrease pain and improve shoulder function in patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder, according to study results presented at the 2007 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting. An injection of the botulinum neurotoxin -- commonly referred to as Botox -- into the joint may work by decreasing the release of specific proteins from the nerves in the joint, consequently decreasing the sensation of pain in the affected joint.
There were 43 study participants with moderate to severe arthritis pain randomly assigned to two groups and assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months. One group received intra-articular botulinum neurotoxin and lidocaine while the other group received saline and lidocaine serving as the placebo. Study results revealed that 38 percent of patients receiving the injection of Botox into the joint had 30 percent or more reduction in their pain score compared to just 9 percent of patients in the placebo group. Researchers concluded that Botox may be a promising new approach to treating persistent joint pain. Persistent shoulder pain is common, affecting more than 5 percent of American adults each year.
Related Resources:
- More About Shoulder Pain
- Guide to Shoulder Problems
- Video: Do You Suffer From Periarthritis?
- Shoulder Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know
Photo by edfuentesg (iStockphoto)
i am in the gym 3 times a week – i have always had sould pain .i have seen lots of so called speclist to no avail and know over the last 4 months 1 have developed neck and trap pain with knots. i ahve had scans and the bone is in good shape-i read in the paper (sunday mail ) that botox is a sulution to my problem can you help ??