Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Shoulder Arthritis

Me too Joe. Had great results with both shoulder and knee with dedicated pt and home exercise followup. I may try Jiffy knee for my right knee if replacement needed.

Have anyone of you had dry needling at PT for shoulder/hip issues.
Have had lessening of joint/bursa pain with it.
Not legal everywhere though.
Terri

There has been recent work using synthetic hydrogel that has proven very successful in animal (horse) treatment for osteoarthritis and is approved for one human application. It has the potential to last significantly longer than steroid injections and doesn't cause degeneration of the cartilage. It would be great if more work could be done to investigate treatment options that could extend the need for replacement surgery. One option would be to use arthroscope surgery to remove bone spurs and arthritis then inject the hydrogel. This would have the potential for real, long lasting pain relief without replacement surgery which entails a lengthy recovery and often a reduction in function. Please Mayo Clinic let's investigate new options for pain relief.

Hi tdrell,

I have not tried dry needling but the people I know who did were pleased.

I thought it was a way to reduce tight muscles. You refer to its use in a joint, so I'm guessing it's useful for inflammation reduction.

Thanks for the info!

Joe

Hi Button and thanks for this intel.

I'd be late to take advantage of this. I've had both knees, a hip, and a shoulder replaced. Cortisone stopped working and I wanted long-term relief from the pain. And to that end I've been very happy with the surgeries. You are right, rehab takes at least 6-8 weeks n(less for the hip, usually), more for complete healing, and there is some drop off in function.

I wish medical science could find a way to replace our cartilage, or eliminate or slow osteoarthritis. I'm 70 now and probably won't be around when that happens.

Synthetic hydrogel sounds like it may last longer than current treatments in providing pain relief. That itself is progress and gives more latitude to the patient in scheduling surgery. Good stuff!

All the best.

Joe

Thank you for bringing this up. I'm 73 yo male with joint surgeries dating back to 1997. Those older surgeries are wearing out and arthritis has gotten really bad. Had spine surgeries, last one in 2020. I've been through same stuff as most people here except I'll say I've used oxycodone in small amounts for 20 some years. After the 2020 spine surgery I've had true chronic pain and take 20-40 mg of oxycodone a day. I have no ill effects and I see pain mgt once a month for a script. Recently my left shoulder stopped responding to cortisone shots and I looked into a replacement. I made a date and then cancelled it because the more I read about old folks like me having problems. So... I'm going to look into the Hyaluronic shots and the dry needling. I've been using a vibrating heat pad and tens machine which help a lot but always looking to avoid these surgeries. One thing about the Oxy, I can't sleep through the night without it. The pain in my back is terrible and the Oxy mitigates it in 20 or so minutes. I guess I've been fortunate that it appears my experience with opioids is what it was supposed to be. I've never taken more than 5mg except right after my back surgeries. My best friend that I grew up with died from liver cancer. He drank a lot, had a bad work injury and ate Oxycodone by the handful. He was about 5o when he died a terrible end of life. So thanks for the tips, we are always hoping something can make life better.

Hi woojr,

It's good that you can count on oxy to help manage pain. It is certainly addictive, but it's clear you're not abusing it.

I'm a recovering alcoholic/addict and relate very well to your friend's story. I'm so sorry that he passed so young. I abused mainly alcohol, but I also abused prescription opiates. Fortunately I've been sober 14 years now, and counting.

I've been through knee replacement surgery (both knees). right hip and left shoulder. My post-op pain has been managed well by diluted nerve blocks and/or an Rx NSAID called Toradol. Toradol works great, but can't be used for more than five days.

I've had two bouts of sciatica, and if not for a very strong set of core muscles, I'd be a candidate for fusion. I'd like to avoid that.

I wish you the best, especially with back pain.

Joe

I have had Hydrolanic injections in my shoulder. It works, not perfectly but has lessened the pain and gives me much better range of motion. I am trying to avoid a shoulder replacement and so far it’s working. It is FDA approved for knees only so you will have to find a doctor who is willing to do it.

Hi the,

Thanks for your comments. My osteoarthritis in my shoulder got so bad I was in some pain everyday. Just lifting my elbow in the shower wasn't possible.

I had three cortisone shots, and only the first worked.

I'm glad the hyaluronic shot helped you. And you're right about allowed and "black box" use by the FDA. I never asked my surgeon for one. I had an anatomical TSR 5 weeks ago and recovery is going well.

Gel shots are nice when you can't immediately have surgery. I don't know about hyaluronic acid, but I had to wait 3 months after my last cortisone shot to get surgery. Apparently cortisone weakens the immune system.

All the best to you!

Joe

Thank goodness for help from pain clinic. May the Hyaluronic shot be helpful. Getting old sure has been tough for many of us, but we are trying our best to keep on!! I'll be checking on that also, thanks for the info.