What is Arthrosamid® and how does it work?

Arthrosamid® is an innovative, non-biodegradable polyacrylamide treatment that's injected directly into your knee joint. It integrates with the synovial tissue, acting as a support that reduces friction and inflammation. Unlike hyaluronic acid injections that break down over months, Arthrosamid® provides sustained relief for up to 5+ years.

Am I a suitable candidate for Arthrosamid® treatment?

Arthrosamid® is ideal for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who haven't responded well to conservative treatments like physiotherapy or steroid injections. During your consultation, Mr S N Abbas will assess your condition, review imaging, and determine if Arthrosamid® is the right option for you.

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn't feel significant pain during the injection. Some patients experience mild discomfort or pressure. Any post-procedure soreness is typically minimal and resolves within a few days.

How long does the procedure take?

The actual injection takes about 15 minutes. Including preparation and ultrasound guidance setup, your total appointment time is approximately 30-45 minutes. You can walk out of the clinic the same day.

When will I feel the results?

Many patients notice some improvement within 24-48 hours. However, the full benefits typically develop over 4-12 weeks as the solution fully integrates with your joint tissue. Clinical studies show sustained pain relief for 5+ years post-treatment.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Arthrosamid® has an excellent safety profile with over 20,000 patients treated globally. Common side effects include temporary swelling, stiffness, or mild pain at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. Serious complications are rare.

How much does Arthrosamid® treatment cost?

Treatment costs vary depending on individual circumstances. During your free consultation, we'll provide a detailed quote. DrSNA Clinic offers flexible payment options to make this life-changing treatment accessible.

Can I have Arthrosamid® in both knees?

Yes, many patients receive treatment in both knees. Depending on your situation, this can be done in the same session or staged across two appointments. Mr S N Abbas will recommend the best approach for your needs.

Back to Articles

Uncategorized

Chronic Knee Pain Not Improving? How Arthrosamid Injection Helps Without Surgery

6 February 2026

7 min read

Chronic knee pain can be physically limiting and emotionally draining, particularly when it does not improve despite ongoing treatment. Many people in the UK live with knee pain for years, often trying painkillers, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and injections with only limited or temporary relief. When symptoms persist, patients may feel that surgery is the only remaining option, even if they are not ready for it.

Arthrosamid injection has gained attention as a non-surgical knee pain treatment in the UK for people whose symptoms continue despite conservative care. This article explores why chronic knee pain can be difficult to manage, why common treatments sometimes fail, and how Arthrosamid injection may help selected patients manage knee pain without surgery, based on current clinical evidence and medical practice.

Understanding Chronic Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain is typically defined as pain lasting longer than three months. In most cases, it is linked to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition where cartilage gradually wears down, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain during movement or weight-bearing activities.

Key features of chronic knee pain include:

Pain that worsens with activity or at the end of the day
Stiffness after rest or in the morning
Swelling or a feeling of instability
Reduced mobility and confidence in movement

Over time, chronic knee pain can affect sleep, independence, and mental wellbeing.

Why Standard Knee Pain Treatments May Stop Working

Many patients with knee pain start with conservative treatments, which are often effective in early stages. However, these approaches may become less helpful as osteoarthritis progresses.

Painkillers and Anti-inflammatory Medication

Medications such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce discomfort temporarily, but they do not address the underlying joint changes. Long-term use may also carry risks, particularly for the stomach, kidneys, or cardiovascular system.

Physiotherapy and Exercise

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in knee pain management by improving strength and joint stability. However, when cartilage damage is advanced, exercise alone may not sufficiently reduce pain.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain. While they can be effective in the short term, their benefits often wear off within weeks or months. Repeated steroid injections may also raise concerns about cartilage health.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections aim to improve joint lubrication. Some patients experience symptom relief, but effects are often temporary and may diminish over time.

When these treatments fail to provide sustained improvement, patients are often told to consider surgery, even if they feel unprepared for it.

The Gap Between Conservative Care and Surgery

Not all patients with chronic knee pain are suitable candidates for surgery, and many wish to delay or avoid knee replacement if possible. Reasons include:

Age or medical conditions increasing surgical risk
Mild to moderate osteoarthritis not severe enough for surgery
Desire to avoid long recovery periods
Preference for non-surgical management

This gap between standard treatments and surgery has led to increased interest in alternative approaches such as Arthrosamid injection.

What Is Arthrosamid Injection?

Arthrosamid is a polyacrylamide hydrogel injection designed for intra-articular use in the knee joint. It is primarily used for knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Unlike treatments that focus on inflammation control, Arthrosamid works by providing long-term cushioning within the joint. Once injected, it integrates with the synovial lining and remains stable rather than being absorbed quickly.

This unique mechanism makes it a potential option for patients whose knee pain does not improve with conventional treatments.

How Arthrosamid Addresses Chronic Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain is often caused by mechanical stress within the joint due to cartilage loss. Arthrosamid addresses this problem by improving joint biomechanics rather than relying on medication.

Key ways Arthrosamid may help include:

Enhancing shock absorption during movement
Reducing friction between joint surfaces
Supporting smoother joint motion
Providing long-lasting structural support

Because it does not rely on anti-inflammatory drugs, Arthrosamid may be suitable for patients who cannot tolerate steroids or who have already had multiple steroid injections.

Who May Benefit from Arthrosamid Injection

Arthrosamid injection may be considered for patients who:

Have persistent knee pain lasting several months or years
Have tried physiotherapy and medication without lasting relief
Have osteoarthritis confirmed clinically or by imaging
Are seeking a non-surgical knee pain treatment in the UK

It is often discussed as an option for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, although suitability must be assessed individually.

The Arthrosamid Injection Procedure

Assessment and Planning

Before recommending Arthrosamid injection, a clinician will usually carry out:

Detailed assessment of symptoms and medical history
Physical examination of the knee
Review of imaging where appropriate
Discussion of treatment goals and expectations

This ensures the pain is due to osteoarthritis and not another condition requiring different management.

Injection Process

The injection is performed in a clinical environment using sterile technique. In many cases, ultrasound guidance is used to ensure accurate placement within the joint.

The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and may involve local anaesthetic to improve comfort.

Aftercare

After Arthrosamid injection, patients are commonly advised to:

Avoid high-impact activity for a short period
Gradually return to normal daily activities
Monitor for temporary swelling or discomfort

Most patients can resume light activities on the same day.

Expected Results and Timeframe

Arthrosamid does not usually provide immediate pain relief. Improvement tends to occur gradually as the hydrogel integrates with the joint lining.

Patients may notice:

Mild post-injection discomfort for a few days
Gradual reduction in pain over several weeks
Improved mobility and function over time

Clinical studies suggest that symptom improvement may be sustained for an extended period, although individual outcomes vary.

How Arthrosamid Compares to Surgery

Arthrosamid injection is not a replacement for knee replacement surgery. However, it may help some patients delay surgery or manage symptoms while exploring other options.

Compared to surgery:

It does not involve hospital admission
Recovery time is minimal
Risks are lower than surgical intervention
It does not permanently alter joint anatomy

For patients not ready for surgery, Arthrosamid may offer a valuable intermediate option.

Safety and Medical Considerations

Arthrosamid injection is generally well tolerated when performed by trained professionals. Potential side effects may include:

Temporary swelling
Mild pain or stiffness
Localised discomfort

Serious complications are uncommon but can include infection, as with any joint injection. Careful technique and patient selection are essential.

Arthrosamid Injection in the UK

In the UK, Arthrosamid injection is typically offered in specialist clinics as a private knee pain treatment. It is not routinely available through the NHS.

Patients considering Arthrosamid injection in London or elsewhere in the UK should ensure that the clinic provides:

Proper diagnostic assessment
Image-guided injection where appropriate
Clear explanation of benefits and limitations
Ongoing follow-up and aftercare

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my knee pain not improve with standard treatments?

Chronic knee pain is often caused by structural changes in the joint. Treatments that focus only on inflammation or pain relief may not address mechanical stress within the knee.

Can Arthrosamid injection help if physiotherapy has failed?

It may help some patients whose symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, particularly when osteoarthritis is present.

Is Arthrosamid injection a long-term solution?

It is designed to provide long-lasting symptom relief, but it does not cure osteoarthritis. Results vary between individuals.

How soon will I notice improvement after Arthrosamid injection?

Improvement is usually gradual and may take several weeks to months.

Can Arthrosamid injection prevent knee replacement?

It cannot prevent disease progression, but it may help delay surgery in selected patients.

Is Arthrosamid injection suitable for everyone with knee pain?

No. It is not suitable for acute injuries, infections, or inflammatory arthritis. Medical assessment is essential.

Living with chronic knee pain that does not improve can be frustrating and limiting. When standard treatments no longer provide relief and surgery feels premature, Arthrosamid injection may offer a non-surgical option for symptom management.

By addressing joint mechanics rather than inflammation alone, Arthrosamid injection fills an important gap in knee pain treatment in the UK. Careful assessment, realistic expectations, and expert delivery are key to achieving the best possible outcomes.