Arthrosamid Injection for Long-Lasting Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

Knee osteoarthritis can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or even getting out of a chair increasingly painful. For many people, painkillers, physiotherapy, steroid injections, and hyaluronic acid injections provide only temporary relief. That’s why newer treatments such as Arthrosamid are attracting growing attention.

At Southgate Physio, Arthrosamid injections are offered as an advanced non-surgical treatment option for suitable patients with knee osteoarthritis who want to reduce pain, improve mobility, and potentially delay knee replacement surgery.

What Is Arthrosamid?

Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable injectable hydrogel made from 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide. Unlike traditional steroid or hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid integrates into the synovial tissue lining of the knee joint and is designed to provide long-lasting cushioning and pain relief.

The treatment involves a single injection into the knee joint, usually performed under ultrasound guidance. Most patients can return home shortly afterwards and resume light activities within a few days.

How Does Arthrosamid Work?

Research suggests that Arthrosamid works differently from temporary viscosupplement injections. Once injected into the knee, the hydrogel becomes integrated into the synovial membrane, helping reduce friction, support joint mechanics, and potentially decrease inflammatory irritation within the arthritic joint.

This unique mechanism is one reason why many clinicians see Arthrosamid as a promising option for longer-term symptom control in knee osteoarthritis.

Who May Benefit from Arthrosamid Injections?

Arthrosamid may be suitable for people who:

• Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
• Experience ongoing knee pain despite physiotherapy or exercise rehabilitation
• Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
• Have limited benefit from steroid or hyaluronic acid injections
• Want a minimally invasive treatment option

Clinical experts generally report the best outcomes in patients who remain active and engage in strengthening rehabilitation alongside injection therapy.

What Does the Current Research Say?

Interest in Arthrosamid has grown significantly because of encouraging medium and long-term clinical outcomes.

A 2024 published follow-up study reported that patients experienced sustained improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function after a single injection. Researchers concluded that the injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel demonstrated “longer-term effectiveness and safety data” in knee osteoarthritis patients.

A systematic review published in 2022 concluded:

“effective and safe treatment option for knee OA”

The review also stated that positive outcomes appeared to last “for at least 2 years.”

More recently, three-year follow-up data from a randomised controlled trial found that a single Arthrosamid injection “appears to be safe and effective in providing sustained symptom relief for up to 3 years.”

Emerging 5-year extension data presented in 2025 has continued to support long-term symptom improvement and safety outcomes.

How Effective Is Arthrosamid Compared with Other Knee Injections?

Traditional steroid injections can help reduce inflammation quickly but are often short-lived. Hyaluronic acid injections may provide temporary lubrication but can vary significantly in effectiveness.

Comparative studies suggest Arthrosamid may offer:

• Longer-lasting symptom relief
• Improved patient satisfaction rates
• Sustained improvements in pain and mobility beyond 12–24 months

A 2025 comparative study reported that polyacrylamide hydrogel injections showed “comparable short-term efficacy and modest advantage at 6 months” compared with conventional injections.

Importantly, researchers continue to emphasise that patient selection, rehabilitation, exercise, and weight management remain essential parts of successful osteoarthritis treatment.

Is Arthrosamid Safe?

Current evidence suggests Arthrosamid has a reassuring safety profile when administered by appropriately trained clinicians.

Reported side effects are usually mild and temporary, including:

• Mild swelling
• Temporary discomfort
• Injection site pain
• Brief stiffness

Serious complications such as infection are rare but possible with any joint injection procedure.

Longer-term studies have shown no evidence of the hydrogel migrating within the body, and follow-up research continues to support its tolerability.

Is Arthrosamid Available on the NHS?

Currently, Arthrosamid is primarily available through private clinics in the UK.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has reviewed the treatment pathway, but NICE has stated that there is currently insufficient evidence for full NHS guidance adoption.

However, research activity is increasing rapidly, with multiple ongoing clinical studies evaluating long-term outcomes and patient function.

Why Choose Arthrosamid at Southgate Physio?

At Southgate Physio, Arthrosamid injections are delivered as part of a comprehensive musculoskeletal and rehabilitation approach.

A thorough assessment helps determine whether you are an appropriate candidate, and treatment is combined with evidence-based physiotherapy strategies designed to:

• Improve knee pain
• Restore movement
• Reduce stiffness
• Improve long-term function
• Help patients stay active

Combining advanced injection therapy with targeted rehabilitation often provides better long-term outcomes than injections alone.

Final Thoughts

For patients struggling with persistent knee osteoarthritis pain, Arthrosamid represents one of the most exciting recent developments in non-surgical joint care.

While no injection can reverse arthritis completely, growing evidence suggests Arthrosamid may provide meaningful long-term pain relief and improved quality of life for carefully selected patients. Studies now demonstrate encouraging outcomes lasting two, three, and potentially even five years after a single treatment.

If you are exploring alternatives to surgery or looking for longer-lasting relief from knee pain, an assessment at Southgate Physio may help determine whether Arthrosamid is suitable for you.