Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis is a common and often debilitating condition affecting millions of adults worldwide, especially older people. This gradual joint disorder causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, having a significant impact on everyday life. Arthrosamid presents an exciting, new approach to managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore how Arthrosamid works, focusing on its hydrogel technology, clinical benefits, and what sets it apart from more traditional injection treatments.

Understanding Arthrosamid’s Hydrogel: What It Is and How It Works

Arthrosamid is made from a polyacrylamide hydrogel — a soft, water-rich gel specifically designed for injection into the knee joint. Although synthetic, it’s biocompatible, meaning it works well with the body’s own tissues without causing irritation. The gel’s unique physical and chemical qualities allow it to blend smoothly with the knee ’s natural environment, offering much-needed cushioning and support.

This hydrogel stays soft and elastic, much like your own cartilage , which helps it absorb shocks and reduce the stress placed on worn joint surfaces. It is also very stable within the joint space, so it maintains its cushioning effect for months after treatment. Importantly, as a recent systematic review found, Arthrosamid “adheres to and bulks up the synovial membrane and acts as a scaffold to treat the synovium,” meaning it not only cushions but may help support the tissues lining the joint.

How Arthrosamid Cushions the Knee: The Injection Process and Its Effect

The treatment involves a straightforward, minimally invasive injection directly into the knee joint . This is carried out by a skilled clinician, such as those at MSK Doctors, in a sterile, outpatient setting. Once injected, the hydrogel spreads to form a gentle, protective layer that sits between the damaged cartilage surfaces.

Imagine placing a soft cushion between two rough surfaces to stop them from rubbing together — that’s essentially what Arthrosamid does inside your knee. By reducing friction and sharing the pressure, it helps protect the joint from further wear, providing notable relief from pain and discomfort.

Professor Paul Lee, who has extensive experience in orthopaedics and rehabilitation, and the MSK Doctors team ensure that each injection is delivered with precision and that patients receive comprehensive ongoing care. This professional setting supports safety and optimises recovery.

How Arthrosamid Helps Relieve Pain and Improve Movement

Arthrosamid’s benefits reach beyond mechanical cushioning. By forming a protective barrier, it may decrease irritation of the synovial membrane — the thin lining of the joint that often becomes inflamed in osteoarthritis. This reduced irritation can help lower the production of inflammatory chemicals that cause pain.

Additionally, the hydrogel may improve the flow and quality of synovial fluid , the joint’s natural lubricant, which helps the knee move more smoothly. Together, these effects often result in less pain and better mobility, allowing patients to enjoy daily activities with ease.

Supporting this, a comprehensive review found “statistically significant data...at both 52 weeks and 13 months, indicating the efficacy of PAAG hydrogel at one year post injection.” Many patients report meaningful improvements in comfort and function for months following treatment, though results can vary.

How Arthrosamid Compares to Traditional Knee Injections

Traditional knee injections to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms typically include corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid. Corticosteroids provide quick but short-lived relief by calming inflammation, while hyaluronic acid aims to restore joint lubrication but usually requires multiple injections.

Arthrosamid stands out by providing a longer-lasting cushioning effect due to its stable gel structure. One injection can ease symptoms for months, decreasing the need for repeated treatments. Acting as a durable, soft spacer within the joint, it offers a distinct advantage for patients seeking sustained relief.

Research shows that while Arthrosamid delivers comparable effectiveness to hyaluronic acid in the short term, it may offer additional benefits in certain patients. One study found that Arthrosamid “approached superiority over hyaluronic acid at 52 weeks” and was statistically superior in people under 70 years old, those with a normal body mass index, or moderate osteoarthritis severity. Compared to corticosteroids, Arthrosamid “outperformed steroid treatment at six months,” highlighting its value as a complementary option in personalised care plans.

What to Expect: Safety, Procedure, and How Long It Lasts

Receiving Arthrosamid treatment is generally straightforward and well tolerated. The injection itself uses a small needle and involves minimal discomfort. It is usually an outpatient procedure with little recovery time, so most patients can resume their usual activities quickly.

The benefits often last for several months, though this differs between individuals. Some patients experience mild swelling or temporary soreness at the injection site, but serious side effects are rare. In fact, a recent study reported that “injection of PAAG hydrogel intra-articularly into the knee has been shown to be safe with no long-lasting adverse events.”

At MSK Doctors, Professor Paul Lee’s expertise in knee and cartilage care ensures patients receive thorough assessments, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing support — all essential for achieving the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion and Responsible Advice

To sum up, Arthrosamid offers a unique cushioning hydrogel that protects osteoarthritic knees by reducing friction, calming inflammation, and alleviating pain, thereby improving mobility. Its longer-lasting effects and specialised mechanism make it a promising treatment option for many people with knee osteoarthritis. However, treatment should always be personalised and guided by a qualified healthcare professional.

For individual medical advice and to decide on the best treatment for your needs, please consult a qualified healthcare expert.

References

Cole, A., Maulana, R. K., Whitehead, J. P., & Lee, P. Y. F. (2022). A systematic review of the novel compound Arthrosamid polyacrylamide (PAAG) hydrogel for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Medical Research Archives, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v10i8.2950

Bliddal, H., Beier, J., Hartkopp, A., Conaghan, P. G., & Henriksen, M. (2023). Polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis: A subgroup analysis of a randomized study. Orthopaedic Proceedings, 105-B(SUPP_13), 81. https://doi.org/10.1302/1358-992x.2023.13.081

Aykaç, B., Dinç, M., Nar, Ö. O., Karasu, R., & Bayrak, H. Ç. (2025). Comparative efficacy of polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids in knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine, 104(38), e44655. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000044655