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Botox injections: Can they relieve arthritis pain?

By Mayo Clinic staff

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  • With Mayo Clinic rheumatologist

    April Chang-Miller, M.D.

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Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Question

Botox injections: Can they relieve arthritis pain?

Can Botox injections relieve arthritis pain?

Answer

from April Chang-Miller, M.D.

It's unclear whether Botox injections are effective for arthritis pain, but early studies are promising.

Botulinum toxin type A is produced by a specific bacterium that causes the food poisoning botulism. Botox — the brand name for medicinal botulinum toxin type A — is the purified low-concentration form of the toxin. When injected in small doses into specific muscles, Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract.

So far, participants in various studies have reported improvement in arthritis pain and function after Botox injections. There's much left to learn about the possible role of Botox injections in arthritis treatment, however. While research continues, proven treatment options — such as exercise, weight loss and medication — remain the focus of most arthritis treatment plans.

Next question
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References
  1. Goyal N. Intra-articular knee joint Botox injection for chronic osteoarthritic pain. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. 2008;36:123.
  2. Mahowald ML, et al. Long term effects of intra-articular botulinum toxin A for refractory joint pain. Neurotoxicity Research. 2006;9:179.
  3. Dykstra DD, et al. The effects of intra-articular botulinum toxin on sacroiliac, cervical/lumbar facet and sternoclavicular joint pain and C-2 root and lumbar disc pain: A case series of 11 patients. The Pain Clinic. 2007;19:27.

AN01520

Jan. 23, 2009

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