
AMSK, a leading orthopaedic and sports medicine clinic based in Lincolnshire, UK, is helping to change the way we think about knee pain. Instead of jumping straight to surgery, many patients are now choosing a minimally invasive alternative: Arthrosamid® Hydrogel.
This article unpacks what Arthrosamid® Hydrogel is, how Arthrosamid® treatment works in practice, who it may be suitable for, and what to consider when looking at the cost of Arthrosamid® compared with traditional options such as knee replacement surgery.
What Is Arthrosamid® Hydrogel?
Arthrosamid® Hydrogel is an injectable treatment designed to relieve ongoing knee pain, particularly pain caused by knee osteoarthritis. Rather than replacing the joint or removing tissue, it works by improving the environment inside the knee joint itself.
Unlike many traditional injections (such as steroid or standard hyaluronic acid injections), Arthrosamid® Hydrogel is:
- Non-biodegradable – it is designed to stay in the knee joint rather than being broken down quickly by the body.
- Hydrogel-based – made mostly of water combined with a soft, stable polymer that forms a flexible, gel-like cushion.
- Single-injection – in many cases, it is given as one carefully guided injection into the knee joint rather than a course of multiple injections.
The aim is long-lasting cushioning and symptom relief, without the need for invasive surgery.
How Does Arthrosamid® Work in the Knee?
To understand what Arthrosamid® does, it helps to think of your knee as a complex hinge. Every step you take creates pressure within the joint. In a healthy knee, cartilage and joint fluid help to absorb this load. In an arthritic knee, the cartilage becomes thinner and the joint may feel stiff, painful and swollen.
A Cushion Inside the Joint
Arthrosamid®’s mechanism of action centres on its ability to act as an internal cushion. During an Arthrosamid® treatment, the hydrogel is injected directly into the knee joint space. Once inside the joint, it:
- Spreads within the soft tissues that line the joint.
- Provides an extra layer of cushioning to help absorb shock.
- Helps to reduce joint friction during movement.
By improving cushioning and joint mechanics in this way, Arthrosamid® can help to:
- Reduce day-to-day pain
- Improve mobility and function
- Support more comfortable walking and activity
It is important to note that Arthrosamid® does not regrow cartilage or reverse arthritis. Instead, it focuses on improving comfort and function in an already arthritic knee.
Who Might Benefit from Arthrosamid® Treatment?
Arthrosamid® is typically considered for people who have:
- Ongoing knee pain, often due to osteoarthritis
- Tried measures such as physiotherapy, pain relief medication, weight management, and simple injections
- Not yet reached the point where they wish to commit to a full knee replacement – or are keen to explore non-surgical options first
At AMSK, the clinical team will usually:
- Take a detailed history of your symptoms
- Examine your knee
- Review any existing imaging (such as X-rays or MRI) or arrange scans if necessary
This assessment helps determine whether Arthrosamid® treatment is a sensible option for your specific knee condition and overall health.
Arthrosamid® Treatment at AMSK: A Tailored Approach
One of the key strengths of Arthrosamid® is that it can be tailored to the individual, rather than being a one-size-fits-all approach.
Personalised Treatment Planning
At AMSK in Lincolnshire, Arthrosamid® treatment is planned around:
- Your diagnosis – for example, the severity and pattern of osteoarthritis
- Your lifestyle – including sport, work demands, and activity levels
- Your goals – whether that is walking the dog comfortably, climbing stairs more easily, or prolonging the time before considering surgery
Your specialist will explain:
- How Arthrosamid® Hydrogel works
- What the injection process involves
- What kind of results people may experience
- The possible risks, side effects, and realistic expectations
What Happens During the Arthrosamid® Procedure?
Although techniques may vary slightly between clinicians, an Arthrosamid® treatment at AMSK typically involves:
- Preparation
- Your knee is cleaned and prepared in a sterile manner.
- Local anaesthetic is often used to minimise discomfort.
- Guided Injection
- The clinician uses imaging guidance (commonly ultrasound or X-ray guidance) to ensure the needle is accurately placed into the knee joint.
- The Arthrosamid® Hydrogel is then injected slowly and carefully into the joint space.
- After the Injection
- You will usually be monitored briefly after the procedure.
- Most people can walk out of the clinic unaided, although you may be advised to take it easy for a short period.
You are typically able to go home the same day and resume gentle day-to-day activities quickly, with specific advice tailored to your situation.
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How Quickly Does Arthrosamid® Work – and How Long Might It Last?
Everyone responds differently, but many patients report:
- Gradual improvement over weeks to a few months after the injection
- Ongoing benefit that may last significantly longer than some traditional injections
Because Arthrosamid® is non-biodegradable, it is designed to provide longer-term cushioning compared to treatments that are rapidly broken down by the body. However, no treatment can guarantee a particular outcome, and results vary between individuals.
Your clinician at AMSK will discuss:
- What you can reasonably expect
- Signs of improvement to look out for
- When to seek follow-up advice
Advantages of Arthrosamid® Compared with Surgery
While knee replacement remains an excellent option for many people, not everyone is ready—or medically suitable—for major surgery. Arthrosamid® offers several potential advantages for the right candidate:
- Non-surgical – no hospital stay, no general anaesthetic, and no surgical incisions.
- Quicker recovery – most normal daily activities can be resumed quickly.
- Joint-preserving – your natural knee joint is left intact.
- May delay or reduce the need for knee replacement – for some people, effective symptom control can postpone or even avoid surgery.
However, Arthrosamid® is not a universal replacement for knee replacement surgery. Some patients will eventually still need surgery, and in others surgery may be the more appropriate first-line option. A specialist consultation helps clarify this.
Possible Side Effects and Safety Considerations
As with any medical procedure, Arthrosamid® treatment carries potential risks and side effects. These may include:
- Temporary pain, swelling, or stiffness in the injected knee
- Local bruising or discomfort at the injection site
- Rarely, infection or allergic-type reactions
Your AMSK clinician will go through these risks in detail before you decide to proceed, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. The clinic’s protocols are designed to maximise safety and minimise complications.
If you experience increasing pain, marked swelling, redness, or fever after your injection, you will be advised to contact the clinic or seek medical help promptly.
Understanding the Cost of Arthrosamid® Treatment
The cost of Arthrosamid® is an important factor when planning your knee pain management.
What Influences the Cost of Arthrosamid®?
The overall cost of Arthrosamid® treatment typically reflects:
- The Arthrosamid® Hydrogel itself
- The expertise of the specialist performing the injection
- Use of imaging guidance (such as ultrasound or X-ray)
- Clinic facilities and follow-up appointments
At AMSK, you will be given a clear fee structure before committing to treatment, so you know exactly what is included.
Arthrosamid® vs Knee Replacement: Cost Considerations
While Arthrosamid® represents a significant investment, it is often more affordable than a full knee replacement, especially when you factor in:
- Hospital or theatre fees
- Anaesthetist costs
- Inpatient stay
- Extended post-operative rehabilitation
- Time off work and daily life during recovery
For some patients, Arthrosamid® offers a way to achieve meaningful pain relief and better function without the financial and physical burden of major surgery.
It is still important, however, to view Arthrosamid® as part of a wider long-term plan for your knee health, rather than a standalone “quick fix”.
Patient Experiences with Arthrosamid® Hydrogel
Many patients treated with Arthrosamid® at clinics such as AMSK describe:
- Reduced day-to-day knee pain – particularly with walking, stairs, and standing.
- Improved mobility – being able to stay active, exercise gently, or simply move more comfortably at home.
- Better quality of life – greater confidence in the knee and less worry about pain with routine activities.
It is important to remember that individual results vary. Some people experience more dramatic improvements than others, and a small number may notice limited benefit. Your AMSK clinician will help you weigh the potential benefits against the costs and risks in your specific case.
Is Arthrosamid® Right for You?
Arthrosamid® Hydrogel offers a promising non-surgical option for people struggling with persistent knee pain, especially related to osteoarthritis. By cushioning the joint from within, it aims to provide targeted, longer-lasting relief while preserving your natural knee.
If you:
- Are living with ongoing knee pain
- Are not ready for, or wish to avoid, knee replacement surgery
- Want to explore advanced, evidence-based non-surgical treatments
…then an assessment with the AMSK team in Lincolnshire may help you decide whether Arthrosamid® treatment is appropriate for you.
For personalised advice, treatment planning, and clear information on the cost of Arthrosamid® in your situation, you are warmly encouraged to get in touch with AMSK and arrange a consultation.
Legal & Medical Disclaimer
This article is written by an independent contributor and reflects their own views and experience, not necessarily those of AMSK. It is provided for general information and education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. AMSK accepts no responsibility for errors, omissions, third-party content, or any loss, damage, or injury arising from reliance on this material.
If you believe this article contains inaccurate or infringing content, please contact us at [email protected].



