Arthrosamid® Injections for Knee Arthritis
A new long-lasting treatment option for knee osteoarthritis
Arthrosamid injections for knee arthritis are an innovative treatment designed to help people whose knee pain continues despite physiotherapy, exercise and other conservative treatments. If you’re living with knee osteoarthritis, they may offer a long-lasting alternative to repeated steroid injections and, for some people, may help delay the need for knee replacement surgery.
Walking the dog, climbing stairs, getting out of a chair or simply enjoying a day out can all become increasingly difficult as pain and stiffness take hold.
Whilst physiotherapy and exercise remain the foundation of treatment, some people continue to experience pain despite doing everything they can. For those patients, Arthrosamid offers an exciting new treatment that may provide longer-lasting pain relief from a single injection.
What are Arthrosamid injections for knee arthritis?
Arthrosamid is an innovative injectable treatment developed specifically for people with knee osteoarthritis.
It is made from a soft hydrogel that is almost entirely water. Following injection into the knee joint, the hydrogel gradually becomes incorporated into the lining of the joint (known as the synovium) where it remains as part of the tissue.
Unlike steroid injections, Arthrosamid doesn’t contain medication designed to suppress inflammation. Instead, it works by supporting the tissues within the joint itself, helping to improve their elasticity and cushioning properties.
Arthritis isn’t just about worn cartilage
Many people think osteoarthritis is simply a case of “bone rubbing on bone”. In reality, it’s much more complicated than that.
Research has shown that one of the major causes of pain in knee arthritis is irritation and inflammation of the synovial lining – the soft tissue that lines the inside of the knee joint. This is one reason why two people with similar X-rays can experience very different levels of pain.
By integrating into this lining, Arthrosamid aims to improve the quality of the synovial tissue itself, reducing pain and stiffness whilst improving the way the joint functions.
What are the benefits?
The biggest attraction of Arthrosamid is that it is designed as a single treatment. Clinical studies have shown improvements in pain, stiffness and knee function following one injection, with many patients continuing to benefit for several years. Published follow-up studies now extend to five years, making it one of the longest-lasting injectable treatments currently available for knee osteoarthritis.
Potential benefits include:
– Long-lasting reduction in knee pain
– Improved mobility and confidence
– Greater comfort during walking and everyday activities
– Reduced reliance on repeated steroid injections
– The possibility of delaying knee replacement surgery for some patients
It is important to remember that Arthrosamid is not a cure for arthritis. It doesn’t regrow cartilage or reverse wear and tear. Instead, its aim is to reduce pain so that you can move more comfortably and remain active.
When will I notice a difference?
Unlike a steroid injection, Arthrosamid doesn’t usually produce immediate pain relief.
After the injection, the hydrogel gradually integrates into the lining of the joint over the following weeks. Many patients notice a steady improvement during this period, with maximum benefit often developing over 6-12 weeks.
For this reason, patience is important. The treatment is designed to provide gradual, longer-lasting improvement rather than a quick but temporary effect.
Is Arthrosamid right for me?
Arthrosamid may be suitable if you:
- have knee osteoarthritis confirmed by clinical assessment or imaging
- continue to experience pain despite physiotherapy and exercise
- have gained only temporary benefit from steroid injections
- wish to remain active but are not yet – ready for knee replacement surgery.
Not everyone with knee arthritis is an ideal candidate, which is why a thorough assessment is essential before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
Our approach
At The Physios, we don’t believe every painful knee needs an injection.
For many people, physiotherapy, strength training, weight management and education remain the most effective treatments. An injection should support these treatments – not replace them.
In fact, one of the biggest advantages of Arthrosamid is that by reducing pain it may allow you to exercise more comfortably, rebuild strength and return to activities that had previously become too painful.
Our aim is never simply to inject a knee. It is to help you move better, stay active and make informed decisions about your treatment.
What does the procedure involve?
The injection is performed as an outpatient procedure and usually takes around 30-45 minutes.
Using ultrasound guidance, we accurately place the Arthrosamid into the knee joint through a fine needle after first numbing the skin with local anaesthetic. Ultrasound guidance allows us to see the joint in real time, ensuring the treatment is delivered precisely where it is intended.
You’ll usually be able to walk out of the clinic afterwards and return home the same day.
Are there any risks?
As with any joint injection, there are some risks, although serious complications are uncommon.
Some patients experience temporary discomfort, aching or a feeling of fullness within the knee during the first few days after treatment as the joint settles. Infection is rare, but because it is the most serious potential complication we take meticulous precautions to minimise this risk. In order to reduce risk further, patients receive a short course of antibiotics prior to the injection.
Like every treatment, Arthrosamid doesn’t work for everyone. During your consultation we’ll discuss whether you’re likely to benefit based on your symptoms, examination findings and any previous scans.
Could Arthrosamid help you?
If you’re interested in Arthrosamid injections for knee arthritis, book an assessment with one of our specialist clinicians. We’ll explain all of your treatment options and help you choose the approach that’s right for you
