Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, impacting millions of people worldwide. As the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears away over time, movement becomes increasingly uncomfortable due to inflammation and bone-on-bone friction. Many patients look to injections as a non-surgical way to find relief. For years, hyaluronic acid (HA) has been the standard injectable treatment , acting as a lubricant inside the joint. However, while HA often provides temporary relief, its effects typically wear off within a few months, requiring repeated treatments.

Now, a newer injectable gel called Arthrosamid is changing the outlook for people with knee OA . Unlike HA, Arthrosamid is made from a long-lasting polyacrylamide hydrogel and promises extended relief from joint pain with just one injection. In this article, we’ll explore the limitations of traditional HA injections, explain how Arthrosamid works, review the latest research, discuss who stands to benefit most, and consider how it compares from a cost and convenience standpoint.

The Limits of Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of healthy joint fluid , acting as the body’s own lubricant to keep the knee moving smoothly. In OA, the amount and quality of this fluid decline, leading to stiffness and pain. HA injections aim to restore some of that lost lubrication and reduce inflammation .

There are several types of HA products on the market—some with smaller molecules, others with larger ones—and treatment typically involves a series of injections spaced out over several weeks.

But the relief HA provides is often short-lived. Studies show that the benefits of HA injections usually peak within 5 to 13 weeks, and the effects often subside by the end of the year. Many people find their knee pain gradually returns and need to repeat injections to manage symptoms. The effectiveness of HA can also be lower for certain groups, such as older adults and those with higher body weight.

The practical downsides add up too: multiple clinic visits, ongoing costs, and sometimes insurance limitations. These challenges have prompted the search for a longer-lasting solution.

What is Arthrosamid and How Does It Work?

Arthrosamid is a new injectable gel made from polyacrylamide , a synthetic and highly stable material. While HA naturally breaks down in the body within weeks or months, Arthrosamid is designed to stay in the joint for much longer. It is made up of 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide , forming a strong, gel-like structure that doesn’t easily degrade.

When injected into the knee joint , Arthrosamid integrates with the joint lining and acts as a cushioning layer. This long-lasting “padding” reduces friction between the bones, relieves pressure, and helps protect the joint from further damage. Unlike HA, Arthrosamid requires only a single injection , making treatment far more straightforward for both patients and providers.

What Does the Research Say About Arthrosamid?

Clinical studies on Arthrosamid are encouraging. Patients have reported significant pain relief lasting one to two years from just one injection. Side effects have been minor, typically limited to temporary soreness at the injection site, and no serious safety issues have been identified.

When directly compared to HA, Arthrosamid has shown equal or better results—particularly at six months, one year, and even up to two years after the injection. This means patients can enjoy longer stretches of improved mobility and comfort, without returning for repeated treatments.

With more than 20 years of safe use in other areas of medicine, Arthrosamid brings an established track record for safety that reassures both patients and doctors considering it for knee OA .

Who Might Benefit Most from Arthrosamid?

Arthrosamid may be especially helpful for certain groups of OA patients. Research suggests that individuals who are younger than 70, maintain a healthy weight, and have moderate OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3) see the most benefit. Patients with osteoarthritis in both knees also appear to respond well. However, people with diabetes or more advanced OA may not achieve the same level of improvement.

Because Arthrosamid only requires a single injection , it offers a level of convenience that busy patients—or those who live far from their doctor’s office—will appreciate. Financially, the one-time treatment may prove more cost-effective in the long run by reducing the need for repeated visits, treatments, and related indirect costs like time off work.

Doctors can tailor treatment plans by weighing a patient’s unique characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle preferences, choosing Arthrosamid for those unlikely to get lasting relief from HA or who need to minimize clinic visits.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Arthrosamid?

Arthrosamid represents an exciting development in the management of knee osteoarthritis , potentially offering extended pain relief with fewer injections. This could change how patients experience symptom relief and reduce the ongoing burden and hassle of traditional treatment approaches.

That said, while early study results are promising, larger and more rigorous studies are still needed to clarify long-term outcomes, identify exactly which patients benefit most, and confirm lasting effectiveness and safety. As evidence continues to build, Arthrosamid may become a go-to choice for those seeking sustained, non-surgical relief.

By moving beyond the limitations of traditional viscosupplementation , Arthrosamid brings new hope—and greater convenience—to people living with knee OA . For many, this could mean getting back to the activities they love, with less pain and fewer interruptions.

If you’re considering injectable treatments for knee osteoarthritis , talk with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your needs.