What Is Arthrosamid Injection? A Complete Patient Guide

What is Arthrosamid injection?

Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable hydrogel injection used to treat knee osteoarthritis. It is injected directly into the knee joint to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and provide long-lasting symptom relief. It is a non-surgical treatment option for suitable patients with persistent knee arthritis symptoms.

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Many people find that painkillers, physiotherapy, or steroid injections provide only temporary relief. As a result, they begin looking for treatments that may offer longer-lasting improvement without surgery.

One option that has gained attention is Arthrosamid injection. Unlike traditional injections that wear off after a few months, Arthrosamid is designed to remain in the knee joint and support the surrounding tissue over the long term.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Arthrosamid is, how it works, who may benefit from it, what happens during treatment, recovery expectations, potential risks, and answers to the most common patient questions.

What Is Arthrosamid?

 

Arthrosamid is a 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) injection developed for people with knee osteoarthritis. It is a non-surgical treatment administered into the knee joint by a trained clinician.

Unlike corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid is intended to remain in the joint after treatment. It integrates with the soft tissues lining the joint, helping to cushion movement and potentially reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis.

How Does Arthrosamid Work?

Once injected into the knee joint:

  • The hydrogel becomes integrated with the synovial lining.
  • It helps support the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
  • It may reduce irritation caused by joint movement.
  • Many patients experience improvements in pain and mobility over time.

Unlike treatments that are gradually absorbed by the body, Arthrosamid is designed to remain within the joint.

Who May Benefit from Arthrosamid?

Your clinician will assess whether Arthrosamid is appropriate for you. It may be considered for people who:

  • Have knee osteoarthritis confirmed through clinical assessment.
  • Continue to experience pain despite physiotherapy or medication.
  • Want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery where appropriate.
  • Are looking for a non-surgical treatment option.
  • Wish to improve mobility and daily function.

A personalised consultation is essential to determine suitability.

Benefits of Arthrosamid Injection

Potential benefits include:

  • Long-lasting symptom relief for appropriate patients.
  • Minimally invasive procedure.
  • No hospital stay required.
  • Quick treatment appointment.
  • Can be performed using ultrasound guidance where clinically appropriate.
  • May improve walking, climbing stairs, and everyday activities.
  • Alternative for patients not yet ready for surgery.

Results vary between individuals, and no treatment can guarantee complete pain relief.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The treatment usually includes:

  1. Clinical assessment.
  2. Examination of your knee.
  3. Cleaning the injection site.
  4. Ultrasound guidance if required.
  5. Injection into the knee joint.
  6. Short observation period before going home.

The appointment generally takes less than an hour, although the injection itself takes only a few minutes.

Recovery After Arthrosamid

Most patients can return home shortly after treatment.

Recovery advice may include:

  • Rest the knee for the first 24–48 hours.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for several days.
  • Walk normally as comfort allows.
  • Follow your clinician’s rehabilitation advice.
  • Attend any recommended follow-up appointments.

Improvement may develop gradually over several weeks.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Like all medical procedures, Arthrosamid injections carry potential risks.

Possible side effects include:

  • Temporary soreness at the injection site.
  • Mild swelling.
  • Joint stiffness.
  • Temporary discomfort.
  • Rare infection.
  • Rare allergic or inflammatory reactions.

Your healthcare provider will discuss the risks and benefits based on your individual circumstances.

Arthrosamid vs Steroid Injection

Arthrosamid

Steroid Injection

Designed for long-term presence in the joint

Typically provides shorter-term symptom relief

Hydrogel implant

Anti-inflammatory medication

May provide prolonged improvement in suitable patients

Often used for flare-ups of inflammation

Non-surgical option

Non-surgical option

The most suitable treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, and clinical assessment.

Arthrosamid vs Hyaluronic Acid Injection

Arthrosamid

Hyaluronic Acid

Polyacrylamide hydrogel

Hyaluronic acid

Intended to remain in the joint

Gradually absorbed by the body

Long-term hydrogel treatment

Viscosupplement injection

Used in suitable patients with knee osteoarthritis

May be recommended for some patients depending on clinical needs

 

When Should You Consider Arthrosamid?

You may wish to discuss Arthrosamid with a specialist if:

  • Knee pain affects daily life.
  • Walking becomes difficult.
  • Pain persists despite conservative treatment.
  • You want to explore non-surgical options before considering knee replacement.

Only a specialist assessment can determine whether Arthrosamid is appropriate for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arthrosamid permanent?

Arthrosamid is designed to remain within the knee joint. Individual outcomes and symptom relief vary.

How long does Arthrosamid last?

Clinical studies have reported symptom improvement lasting for extended periods in some patients, but results vary between individuals.

Is the injection painful?

Most people experience only mild discomfort during the procedure. Local anaesthetic may be used where appropriate.

Can Arthrosamid delay knee replacement?

For some suitable patients, it may help manage symptoms and postpone the need for surgery, but it does not replace knee replacement when surgery becomes necessary.

How soon can I walk?

Most patients can walk shortly after treatment, although activity may need to be reduced for the first day or two.

Is Arthrosamid suitable for everyone?

No. Suitability depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, overall health, and a specialist clinical assessment.

Conclusion

Arthrosamid is an innovative non-surgical treatment for people living with knee osteoarthritis who are seeking long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility. By integrating with the soft tissues of the knee joint, it may help reduce discomfort and support everyday movement for suitable patients. However, the effectiveness of Arthrosamid depends on factors such as the severity of arthritis, overall health, and a thorough clinical assessment.

At Krida, our experienced musculoskeletal specialists provide comprehensive assessments and ultrasound-guided Arthrosamid injections tailored to each patient’s needs. If you’re experiencing ongoing knee pain and would like to explore whether Arthrosamid is the right treatment for you, book a consultation with Krida to discuss your options and receive a personalised treatment plan.