I've had success using MidaPlex Gold and Blue. They have msm and hylauronic acid. My friend swear by recovery EQHA. I understand your reluctance to inject into a joint. Anytime you do, you run the risk of introducing an infection. But it's done so frequently nowadays and the formulas are better with hylauronic acid in them as well as steroid. Some vets even add an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection. I expect I will have to inject my horse eventually and when I do I plan to ask the vet about adding an antibiotic.