Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of long-term knee pain in the UK. What often begins as mild stiffness can gradually develop into persistent pain that affects mobility, independence, and quality of life. Everyday activities such as walking the dog, climbing stairs, exercising, or even getting through a typical workday can become increasingly difficult.
Across the UK, millions of people live with knee osteoarthritis, making it one of the leading causes of chronic joint pain.
Traditional knee osteoarthritis treatment pathways usually include lifestyle adjustments, physiotherapy, medication, steroid injections, or hyaluronic acid injections. While these approaches may offer short-term relief, many patients find themselves stuck in a cycle of temporary improvement followed by recurring pain — often leading to conversations about knee replacement surgery.
But now, there is a long-lasting, non-surgical alternative.
Arthrosamid®, an innovative injectable hydrogel, is redefining non-surgical knee osteoarthritis treatment by providing sustained pain relief and supporting long-term joint preservation.
At Consultants Choice Clinic, our orthopaedic specialists offer this advanced treatment for patients seeking an effective alternative that may delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
Why Traditional Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments Often Provide Only Short-Term Relief
Knee osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage within the knee gradually deteriorates. As this cushioning breaks down, the bones begin to rub more directly against each other.
This can lead to:
- Persistent knee pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling and inflammation
- Reduced flexibility
- Difficulty walking or weight-bearing
Common short-term treatments include:
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections reduce inflammation quickly but typically provide relief for 2–6 weeks. Repeated use may negatively affect cartilage health.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
These injections improve joint lubrication but are absorbed by the body within 3–6 months, meaning repeated treatments are often required.
Pain Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication may help manage discomfort but is not suitable for long-term use and can carry risks with ongoing treatment.
Many patients therefore find themselves in what clinicians often call the “treatment gap” — where available treatments no longer provide lasting relief, yet surgery may feel too invasive or premature.
This is where Arthrosamid® offers a new solution.
What Is Arthrosamid®?
Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable injectable hydrogel specifically designed to treat knee osteoarthritis.
It consists of:
- 97.5% water
- 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide
Unlike many other injections, Arthrosamid® is not absorbed or broken down by the body. Instead, it remains within the joint, where it integrates with the synovial lining to restore cushioning and improve joint function.
This makes Arthrosamid® one of the most advanced non-surgical knee pain treatment options available in the UK.
How Arthrosamid® Works
1. Restoring Cushioning Within the Knee
Arthrosamid® improves the viscosity of the synovial fluid, enhancing lubrication and reducing friction between joint surfaces.
2. Integrating With the Joint Lining
Over several weeks, the hydrogel integrates with the synovial membrane, the inner lining of the joint capsule. This helps stabilise the joint environment and reduce pain signals.
Unlike short-term injections, Arthrosamid® works to support long-term joint comfort and mobility.
Arthrosamid® vs. Other Knee Injections
| Treatment | Typical Duration | How It Works | Repeat Injections |
| Steroid injections | 2–6 weeks | Reduces inflammation | Often required |
| Hyaluronic acid | 3–6 months | Improves lubrication | Repeated regularly |
| Arthrosamid® | 2+ years in studies | Long-lasting hydrogel implant | Single injection |
Clinical studies show that a single 6ml Arthrosamid® injection can provide meaningful pain relief lasting two years or longer for many patients.
Clinical Evidence: Long-Lasting Results
Long-term clinical studies show that Arthrosamid® can provide:
- Significant reduction in chronic knee pain
- Improved joint mobility
- Sustained improvement lasting two years or more
- Potential delay or prevention of knee replacement surgery
For orthopaedic specialists, Arthrosamid® represents meaningful progress in joint preservation treatment, helping patients maintain an active lifestyle for longer.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis
- Knee pain is affecting your mobility or daily life
- Previous treatments no longer provide lasting relief
- You want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
- You prefer a non-surgical knee osteoarthritis treatment with long-lasting benefits
At Consultants Choice Clinic, every patient receives a thorough assessment to determine whether Arthrosamid® is the right treatment option.
The Arthrosamid® Procedure: What to Expect
1. Specialist Consultation
Your orthopaedic consultant will review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging scans.
2. Ultrasound-Guided Injection
A precise 6ml Arthrosamid® injection is administered under local anaesthetic and guided by ultrasound to ensure optimal accuracy.
3. Immediate Recovery
Most patients are able to walk out of the clinic shortly afterwards. Mild swelling or soreness may occur but typically settles within a few days.
4. Integration Phase
Full benefits usually develop over 4–12 weeks as the hydrogel integrates with the joint lining.
Could Arthrosamid® Help You Avoid Knee Replacement?
Speak with our orthopaedic specialists today to find out whether this treatment may be suitable.
Real Patient Experiences
Many patients choose Arthrosamid® to maintain an active lifestyle.
For example, a patient in his early sixties who had stopped playing golf due to worsening knee pain was able to return to regular play after receiving Arthrosamid®. While individual outcomes vary, many patients report improved mobility and reduced long-term pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Arthrosamid® is a synthetic hydrogel, not a biological or stem cell therapy.
Yes. Both knees can be treated if necessary, although doctors may recommend treating one knee at a time.
The injection itself usually takes 15–20 minutes.
The most common side effects include:
- Mild swelling
- Temporary stiffness
- Injection-site discomfort
These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
A New Era in Non-Surgical Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
For decades, treatment options for knee osteoarthritis have been limited to short-term injections or major surgery.
Arthrosamid® is changing that pathway by offering a long-lasting, non-surgical treatment option that may support joint health for years.
At Consultants Choice Clinic, our orthopaedic specialists focus on advanced, evidence-based treatments designed to help patients remain mobile, active, and pain-reduced.
Ready to Explore Arthrosamid®?
If knee osteoarthritis is affecting your quality of life, Arthrosamid® may be the non-surgical solution you have been waiting for.
Book a consultation with our orthopaedic specialists at Consultants Choice Clinic to find out whether Arthrosamid® could help you stay active and avoid knee replacement surgery.
Ready to reclaim your mobility?
The information in this article is supported by published clinical research and evidence on Arthrosamid® treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical Evidence and References
- Redefining treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Worcester News.
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/24259842.redefining-treatment-knee-osteoarthritis/ - New data is welcomed as the results of the much-anticipated LUNA study are unveiled. Arthrosamid.
https://arthrosamid.com/post/new-data-is-welcomed-as-the-results-of-the-much-anticipated-luna-study-are-unveiled-for-the-first-time - 3-year follow-up from a randomised controlled trial of intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel.
OARSI Journal.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487107/ - New 10-year safety data and 5-year efficacy results for Arthrosamid.
Orthopaedic Product News.
https://www.opnews.com/2025/05/new-10-year-safety-data-5-year-efficacy-results-for-arthrosamid-presented-at-bone-joint-health-congress/26630 - Benenden Hospital first in the UK to reach landmark 500th Arthrosamid treatment.
Orthopaedic Product News.
https://www.opnews.com/2026/03/benenden-hospital-first-in-the-uk-to-reach-landmark-500th-arthrosamid-treatment-for-knee-osteoarthritis/26941 - Polyacrylamide hydrogel injections in knee osteoarthritis.
ScienceDirect.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0976566225002346
