Injectable Treatments for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis (SO) refers to the gradual wear and tear of the joint surfaces within the shoulder. As a degenerative joint disease, it becomes increasingly common with age. In fact, its incidence has tripled since the 1990s and now affects more than 30% of individuals over the age of 60.

Early symptoms typically include mild shoulder pain that progressively worsens over time. This is often followed by a noticeable reduction in range of motion and joint stiffness.

As the condition progresses, shoulder movements such as lifting the arm to the side (abduction) or rotating it become increasingly painful. This often causes patients to reduce or avoid using the affected arm. In more advanced stages, a grinding or crackling feeling—known as crepitus—may occur, resulting from direct friction between rough, deteriorated bone surfaces.

Diagnosis is most often confirmed through a standard two-view X-ray, which reveals narrowing of the joint space and the presence of bone spurs (osteophytes)—abnormal bone growths that develop in response to joint degeneration.

In the early stages of the disease, non-surgical (conservative) treatment is the first line of management. The primary goals are to relieve pain, preserve joint mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Conservative treatment usually includes physical therapy, short-term use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, and in some cases, intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid to improve joint lubrication, reduce discomfort and alleviate symptoms.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in healthy joint fluid, where it plays a key role in cushioning and lubricating the joint surfaces. When injected into the shoulder joint during the early stages of osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid can significantly alleviate pain and enhance mobility by restoring lubrication within the joint.

The use of biological treatments such as hyaluronic acid represents a major advancement in the management of osteoarthritis. These therapies not only help control symptoms but may also help slow down the disease progression, potentially delaying or even avoiding the need for surgical intervention or joint replacement with artificial implants.