# Colchicine Therapy for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 68-year-old woman with shoulder osteoarthritis found significant pain relief using colchicine, suggesting it could be a new treatment option.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates colchicine's potential as an effective treatment for glenohumeral osteoarthritis pain.

## Key findings

- The patient experienced significant pain relief after three months of colchicine and acetaminophen treatment.
- Improved functionality was observed following the treatment regimen.
- Colchicine may offer an alternative for patients who do not respond to conventional osteoarthritis treatments.

## Abstract

Osteoarthritis management primarily focuses on targeting pain. Conventional modalities for pain management include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and intra-articular corticosteroid injections. However, these approaches may provide minimal pain relief and can be contraindicated for some patients, highlighting the ongoing need for alternative pain management. Colchicine, commonly used in the management of gout, has emerged as a potential option for pain management in osteoarthritis. There are implications of colchicine use for knee and hand osteoarthritis but remains inconclusive. In this context, we present a case of a 68-year-old diabetic woman with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and associated right shoulder pain. Due to minimal pain relief from previous treatments, the patient was given a combination trial of colchicine and acetaminophen for three months. After completion of this treatment, the patient experienced significant pain relief and improved functionality. The aim of this case is to highlight the efficacy of colchicine as a possible treatment option for managing shoulder pain in osteoarthritis.