“Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and the fastest growing cause of disability worldwide.”
What is Arthrosamid?
We review how you have been feeling, what has changed since your last session and what you want to achieve.
Unlike steroid or hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid does not wear away. It stays inside the knee and gradually becomes part of the joint lining, improving the way the knee moves and reducing irritation. The aim is to give you more comfortable movement, less stiffness and extended symptom relief from a single injection.
How Arthrosamid Works
Arthrosamid works by improving the structure and behaviour of the soft tissue lining inside the knee joint. Rather than providing a short burst of anti-inflammatory relief, it supports and stabilises the joint environment over time.
Step-By-Step Explanation
Arthrosamid is injected into the knee joint
The gel is delivered directly into the joint space under ultrasound guidance so it sits exactly where support is needed.
The gel spreads and binds to the joint lining
It mixes with the joint fluid and attaches to the synovial lining (the tissue that produces joint fluid).
It calms an irritated, overactive lining
In osteoarthritis, this lining becomes inflamed and overactive, producing excess fluid that causes swelling and pain. Arthrosamid helps settle this and reduce fluid build-up.
It forms a soft internal cushion
As the gel integrates into the tissue, it acts like a gentle, supportive cushion inside the knee, improving elasticity and joint stability.
Movement becomes smoother and more comfortable
With better cushioning and a calmer joint lining, the joint tends to move more smoothly with fewer flare-ups.
The effect is long-lasting
Arthrosamid does not degrade, meaning it remains in the knee and provides relief far longer than standard steroid or hyaluronic acid injections. Many people experience months—and often years—of benefit.
This gradual structural improvement is why people often notice changes building over several months with long-lasting results.
Who is Arthrosamid Suitable For?
Arthrosamid may be a suitable option if you have:
- Knee osteoarthritis with pain, stiffness or swelling
- Pain during daily activities, walking or exercise
- Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis
- Pain after activity or recurring swelling
- An active lifestyle and want to stay mobile
- Tried steroid or hyaluronic acid injections with only short-term benefit
- Are not ready or suitable for knee replacement surgery
- Want a modern, non-surgical treatment with long-lasting results
Your clinician will assess your history and imaging (X-ray or MRI when needed) to confirm if Arthrosamid is appropriate.
Antibiotics Before Arthrosamid
Because Arthrosamid acts as an implant inside the knee joint, a single precautionary dose of antibiotics is recommended before the injection. This is standard practice for implant-based procedures and helps keep the already very low risk of infection as small as possible.
To keep this simple and straightforward:
- You arrive around one hour before your appointment
- We provide the antibiotics for you in clinic
- You take them on site with guidance from your clinician
- This is a one-off dose, not a course of antibiotics
Your clinician will select the most suitable antibiotic combination based on your medical history and any allergies.
What Happens on the Day of Your Injection
- Arrive around one hour early to take your antibiotics
- Your clinician examines your knee and performs an ultrasound scan
- If needed, excess joint fluid is gently drained
- Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area
- The 6 ml Arthrosamid dose is injected slowly under ultrasound guidance
- A small dressing is applied
- You stay for 20–30 minutes afterwards for observation
Most patients find the procedure comfortable and straightforward
Aftercare and Recovery
- Local anaesthetic wears off after 1–2 hours
- Some mild soreness or a short-term flare is possible
- Improvements often start around 4 weeks
- Benefits continue to build over 3–6 months
- Avoid driving or cycling immediately afterwards
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 10–14 days
- Keep the dressing dry for 24 hours
- Continue gentle daily activity as tolerated
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop fever, increasing redness or significant swelling.
“Arthrosamid is the first and only approved injectable implant treatment that delivers long lasting proven pain relief without surgery.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How effective is Arthrosamid?
- Many patients experience long-lasting improvement in pain and mobility
- Clinical studies show benefits can last several years, with relief still present at five years after treatment
- Arthrosamid provides a significant, long-lasting reduction in knee osteoarthritis pain
- Patients under 70 reported an almost 80% positive response rate in trials
Is Arthrosamid safe?
- Supported by 20+ years of research and proven in thousands of patients across Europe
- Clinical trials report no serious side effects
- Most common reactions are mild joint pain or a temporary swelling sensation
- The hydrogel has a well-established safety profile from use in various parts of the body
Who benefits most from Arthrosamid?
- People with knee osteoarthritis affecting walking, activity or quality of life
- Those wanting to avoid or delay knee replacement
- Active individuals who need reliable, durable relief
- Patients who found steroid or hyaluronic acid injections too short-lived
- People experiencing swelling due to synovial irritation
- Arthrosamid is suitable, safe and effective for any patient with knee OA when clinically appropriate
Who is Arthrosamid NOT suitable for?
- Knee or skin infection
- A previous non-absorbable implant or hydrogel in the knee
- Knee replacement or foreign material inside the joint
- Knee arthroscopy within the last 6 months
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or unstable anticoagulation
- An active gout flare
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- As with any implant, your clinician will check all precautions before confirming treatment
How many injections will I need?
- Arthrosamid is designed as a single-dose treatment
- Most people do not need more than one
- Future injections are not contraindicated and can be discussed if effects wear off over time
Who will perform my Arthrosamid injection?
- Your injection will be carried out by Matt Prout, a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience
- Matt has advanced training in MSK ultrasound and extensive expertise in ultrasound-guided injections
- He teaches ultrasound and injection therapy to other clinicians, including doctors, consultants and physiotherapists
- As an Independent Prescriber, he can prescribe the required antibiotics in clinic for a smooth, hassle-free process
- You can feel confident knowing your procedure is completed by a clinician experienced in both diagnosis and precise injection delivery
Can both knees be treated?
- Yes, both knees can receive Arthrosamid
- Your clinician will advise on timing between injections if needed
Why is a one-off dose of antibiotics required?
- Because Arthrosamid functions as an injectable implant, a single dose of antibiotics reduces infection risk
- This is a routine part of safe administration
- You simply arrive one hour early and take the antibiotics in clinic
- Emphasises this as a routine part of safe administration
Will the injection hurt?
- A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area
- Most patients feel only pressure or a mild ache
- Arthrosamid is more viscous than other injectables, so the sensation may feel slightly different, but is well tolerated
What should I expect immediately after treatment?
- You may leave the clinic soon after, or stay briefly until comfortable
- Some people feel mild pain or swelling as the anaesthetic wears off
- Many patients do not report discomfort
- Continue normal medication and painkillers as needed
- Contact your clinician immediately if the knee becomes red, hot, very swollen or increasingly painful
How long does Arthrosamid take to work?
- Maximum benefit typically develops over 4–12 weeks
- Most patients feel an effect within the first few weeks
- Improvements can continue to build over several months
When can I return to normal activity?
- Avoid strenuous activity (long walks, running, tennis) for the first few weeks
- Light day-to-day activity is usually fine
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are recommended to support the best possible recovery
- States structured rehab can be beneficial
What are the side effects?
- Temporary pain
- A feeling of joint swelling
- Mild inflammation lasting days to weeks
- Rare but important
- Infection
- Significant inflammatory reaction
- Allergic response
- No serious side effects were seen in clinical trials
Can I take my usual medications?
- Yes, you may continue your normal medications, including painkillers
- If you take blood thinners, your clinician may need clarity regarding your INR levels beforehand
How much does Arthrosamid cost?
- £2,500 – one knee (ultrasound guided)
- £4,800 – both knees (ultrasound guided)
- £2,650 – Arthrosamid for one knee (ultrasound guided), plus 4 Sessions Physiotherapy Package (recommended option)
- All fees are all inclusive with no hidden costs.
Do I need to tell other healthcare providers in the future?
- Yes, if you require major surgery or dental procedures, inform your clinician or dentist that you have an Arthrosamid implant
- This is to ensure they can make the correct medical decisions
Can I have Arthrosamid again in the future?
- Yes, future injections are not contraindicated
- Timing will depend on your individual response and will be discussed with your clinician
How does Arthrosamid actually work?
- The gel settles into the soft lining of the knee joint
- It gently spreads inside the joint and becomes part of the synovial tissue
- This helps calm irritation and reduces excess fluid that causes swelling and pressure
- The gel softens the joint lining and improves its elasticity
- Movement becomes smoother and more comfortable over time
- Because the gel does not break down, the benefits can last for years after a single injection
Patient Resources
Official Arthrosamid Resources
Arthrosamid Patient Leaflet (PDF)
Patient Stories and Testimonials
Why Choose Flex Physio Burgess Hill for Arthrosamid?
- Specialist clinicians experienced in knee osteoarthritis & injections
- Ultrasound-guided injection for precision and safety
- Friendly, supportive and patient-focused care
- Integrated physiotherapy to maximise results
- Convenient for Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Hassocks, Brighton, Mid Sussex, Surrey & Kent
- No long waiting lists
- Transparent pricing
Pricing and Booking
Arthrosamid pricing is available on request, with clear written quotations provided before treatment.
To book or enquire: