Hello, I'm fairly new here so I just wanteds to firstly say hello. I've really enjoyed 'lurking' and reading over the last few weeks. I've actually got Still's Disease but all the RA stuff is very relevant.
Anyway, I just wanted to ask a question about botox. I had my first visit to a pain clinic last week and was told that I'd benefit from having botox injections in both my knees. He was honest and said that he'd never actually injected knees before but he'd had great results with other joints so he felt my knees are worth a chance. As far as I can gather, this is quite pioneering for the UK. Is that right? Are the States any further on with using botox as a form of paon relief? The doc said that he has proven that botox can delay the need for joint replacements, especially in those like myself who are too young.Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Best wishes
Kate
Kate, I am very intrigued by this. It sounds like something we should check into, as it might help a lot of folks on here. Did he give you any kind of material to read about it or anything?
The only thing I have heard them using Botox for in the area of pain relief is for migraine headaches. That doesn't mean that it isn't being done here in the US, but I just haven't heard about it.
It will be very interesting to see if anyone else knows about this treatment. Thanks for bringing it up!
Interesting indeed! I've only heard of it used for cosmetic reasons. Love to learn more. There was a study done on 11 individuals. They were injected in their joints with Botox. All 11 had relief from 3 months to 1 year. So far it's not an accepted therapy for RA. Haven't found any other research that's been done. This was on the Mayo Clinic site. Lindy I have heard of Botox being used to treat migraines, only a few weeks ago too. I listened to the segment because my Mum gets migraines very badly. Hey, anything is possible. Thank you all for your replies. It is interesting isn't it. I'd only heard of it for cosmetic reasons too. He didn't give me any literature to take away unfortunately. He just told me about some studies and his own track record which sounded excellent. Since then, I've done a bit of digging around the net but haven't come up with much. My own RD had heard of it and is in agreement of me trying it but had no info for me. I have heard from a friend of mine's step-father who has been having botox injections for migraines for years. He said he's sat in the waiting room with other botox patients and they all swear by it he says. He also said that some have had their knees done and had great success. I'm on the list for November so a bit of a wait but I will keep you posted if I find anything else out. Many thanks again for your replies.Hello Kate and welcome! Let us know how it goes!I heard that botox was a no-no if you are on biologics. Is this correct?
PJ
Eeeeek! I don't know PJ. I'll have to find out as I'm currently on Humira. Will post back when I find out.Hmm, I am intrigued as well! My pain doctor offered botox injections to me for my excessive sweating!! She knows I am on humira but if I decide to do it, I will be sure to make sure its ok with the biological! I am trying to save up the money as it is going to cost be over 0 for the underarms injections but I think it will be well worth it! I sweat through at least two shirts a day!! Never heard of the botox injections for joint pain though, will ask her next time I see her!