Introduction

In recent years, Arthrosamid knee injections have become a popular choice for managing osteoarthritis, especially in the UK and across Europe. Many patients are seeking alternatives to traditional treatments and surgery, hoping for relief from pain and improved joint function. With this growing interest, it’s natural for patients and healthcare professionals to want clear, reliable information about how safe Arthrosamid really is — including any possible side effects or risks.

This article aims to provide straightforward, well-rounded information about the safety of Arthrosamid injections. Whether you’re considering this treatment or simply want to learn more, we’ll explore the potential side effects and risks to help you make informed decisions alongside your healthcare team.

What is Arthrosamid and How Does It Work?

Arthrosamid is a type of synthetic hydrogel made from polyacrylamide, designed to be injected directly into the knee joint. Think of it as a gentle cushion that sticks to the synovial membrane — the lining of the joint — to provide extra support and reduce pain. By improving lubrication and shock absorption, it can help ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve knee movement.

Unlike other injectables, Arthrosamid’s hydrogel is water-based and forms a stable scaffold in the joint, which has caught the attention of both patients and specialists. As one review explains, “Polyacrylamide (PAAG) hydrogel is a novel compound... It adheres to and bulks up the synovial membrane and acts as a scaffold to treat the synovium.”

In the UK, Arthrosamid is approved for use by specialists after thorough screening to ensure it’s the right fit for each patient. This often includes careful assessment and tests to rule out infections or allergies, helping to keep treatment as safe as possible.

What Side Effects Can You Expect Shortly After Injection?

It’s quite common to experience some mild side effects shortly after an Arthrosamid injection. These usually affect the injection site and may include minor pain, swelling, redness, or a spot of bruising. These are normal responses as your body adjusts to the treatment.

Thankfully, these side effects tend to be mild and don’t last more than a few days to a week. Most people find that simple measures like resting the joint, applying ice packs, and taking over-the-counter painkillers help ease their discomfort.

However, if symptoms become severe, continue for longer than expected, or worsen – for example, if you notice intense pain, significant swelling, fever, or other signs of infection – it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Early professional input helps rule out rare but serious complications.

Long-Term Safety: What Does Research Tell Us?

Studies so far show that Arthrosamid injections have a strong safety record over the long term. A recent review stated clearly: “Injection of PAAG hydrogel intraarticularly into the knee has been shown to be safe with no long-lasting adverse events reported.” This means that, in general, patients have not experienced ongoing or late-developing problems related to the injection.

More recent clinical work tracking patients for three years concluded: “Single injections of 6 ml intra-articular iPAAG are well tolerated and continue to provide clinically relevant and statistically significant effectiveness at 3 years after treatment.” The study also noted that none of the new side effects reported during the extended follow-up were linked to the treatment itself.

While very rare, occasional serious complications such as infections or allergic reactions have been recorded — but these are mainly linked to the injection procedure rather than the hydrogel material.

Overall, experts agree that Arthrosamid remains a safe treatment when used carefully by trained professionals.

How Does Arthrosamid Compare to Other Injectable Treatments?

Compared to common alternatives like corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid offers a similar or sometimes better safety profile. Corticosteroid injections can be very effective for reducing inflammation but may damage cartilage if used frequently. Hyaluronic acid injections tend to cause only mild, short-lived side effects but often need to be repeated to maintain benefits.

A head-to-head study reported, “iPAAG offers comparable short-term efficacy and modest advantage at 6 months. However, long-term superiority is limited. It may be a complementary option in individualized osteoarthritis management.” Importantly, this research also noted that Arthrosamid “showed the highest patient acceptable symptom state rates (72%, 54%, and 42% at 3, 6, and 12 months), and greatest minimal clinically important difference achievement at 3 and 6 months.”

Thanks to its unique gel-like structure, Arthrosamid may last longer in the joint, potentially reducing the number of injections needed, and does not carry the systemic risks associated with steroids.

Expert Advice: What Should Patients Keep in Mind?

If you’re thinking about Arthrosamid, it’s essential to have a thorough medical evaluation first. Specialists will review your medical history and may run scans to make sure the treatment suits your individual case.

Following your specialist’s instructions before and after the injection will help make the treatment as safe and effective as possible. Remember, while most side effects are mild and short-lived, any unusual or lasting symptoms should be checked by your healthcare provider without delay.

Open communication is key — keep honest and clear dialogue with your doctor or nurse throughout your treatment journey to ensure the best outcomes.

Conclusion

Arthrosamid knee injections are generally a safe and well-tolerated treatment for osteoarthritis, with mostly mild and manageable side effects. Long-term studies confirm their safety and effectiveness, giving patients an alternative to surgery and traditional injectables.

Every patient’s response is unique, so making decisions based on expert guidance and your own preferences is vital. Working closely with your healthcare professional will help you balance benefits and risks, and move forward with confidence.

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 for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: 3 year follow up results of a prospective clinical study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2023-eular.6038
• 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