Living with knee osteoarthritis can make everyday activities challenging, especially when pain flares up. Finding the right pain relief is crucial, and two treatments often discussed are corticosteroid injections and a newer option called Arthrosamid® , a special hydrogel . While corticosteroids are known for quick, temporary pain relief, Arthrosamid ® is designed to provide more consistent, longer-lasting comfort. In this article, we'll look at how these treatments work and compare how steady their pain relief actually is.

Understanding the Treatments

Arthrosamid ® is a clear, gel-like injection made from polyacrylamide that's delivered directly into the knee joint . It's been approved for use in the UK and used safely for over 20 years to help manage knee osteoarthritis . Arthrosamid ® works by improving the cushioning and lubrication inside the joint, restoring some of the features of healthy joint fluid .

Corticosteroid injections , on the other hand, have been around for much longer and are widely used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain. These steroid shots are a short-term fix, calming swelling rather than changing the way the joint operates. Both treatments are delivered by injections into the knee, but they address pain in very different ways.

How Do They Work?

Once injected, Arthrosamid® adheres to the joint lining (the synovial membrane) and forms a supportive, cushioning layer. This helps the joint move more smoothly and may even help protect the cartilage over time. Typically, the injection is given as a single treatment, often guided by ultrasound to ensure even distribution.

Corticosteroids work differently. They quickly reduce inflammation by blocking the chemicals in your body that cause swelling and pain. This provides rapid relief, but only for as long as the anti-inflammatory effect lasts. Unlike Arthrosamid® , they do not add cushioning or improve joint mechanics.

How Long Does Pain Relief Last?

Most people feel noticeable pain relief from corticosteroid injections within the first few weeks, measured by tools like the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), where patients rate their pain. However, this relief tends to wear off after a few months, often leading to repeat injections every three to six months to maintain comfort. This cycle can cause pain levels to fluctuate—strong results at first, but fading with time.

This pattern is common with corticosteroids used in joints, not just the knee. Studies in other parts of the body have shown these injections provide effective short-term relief, but the benefits decline in the longer term. This helps explain why corticosteroid injections may not deliver steady, lasting improvement for those with chronic joint pain .

Arthrosamid ® stands out for its long-lasting, steady pain relief . Clinical trials have shown that a single Arthrosamid ® injection can offer consistent symptom control for up to one or two years. These results are tracked using the WOMAC scale, which measures pain, joint stiffness , and physical function. Many patients report fewer ups and downs in their pain levels compared to traditional steroid injections, making Arthrosamid ® an appealing choice for people seeking longer-term relief.

Recent research supports Arthrosamid® ’s strong safety record and sustained benefits, but also highlights that individual factors like age, activity level, and severity of osteoarthritis play a role in how well it works. Consulting a joint specialist can help determine whether Arthrosamid® is likely to be effective for your specific situation.

Safety and Side Effects

Both treatments are generally safe, but it's important to consider potential risks. Corticosteroid injections can occasionally cause soreness or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, side effects may include changes in local tissue or, in uncommon cases, broader hormone-related effects.

For Arthrosamid® , the safety profile is reassuring. The most common side effects are mild, such as temporary swelling or discomfort, which usually resolve within a few days or weeks. No serious complications have been reported in clinical trials or long-term use.

While studies are ongoing to better understand which patients get the most benefit from Arthrosamid® , discussing your medical history and personal circumstances with a healthcare provider is the best way to ensure safe and effective treatment .

Expert Care at London Cartilage Clinic

At the London Cartilage Clinic, Professor Paul Lee and his team specialise in tailored care for people with knee osteoarthritis . They help patients consider their treatment options, balancing the rapid relief from corticosteroids with the longer-lasting effects of Arthrosamid ® . Each plan is personalised—with careful, ultrasound-guided injections and comprehensive rehabilitation to restore joint movement and improve function. The clinic’s patient-first approach means you’ll receive expert, unbiased advice suited to your needs.

In summary, both Arthrosamid ® and corticosteroid injections can play important roles in relieving knee osteoarthritis pain, but they differ in how sustained their relief is. Arthrosamid® usually provides longer and more consistent comfort, while corticosteroids work faster but may require ongoing repeat injections. Factors such as age, weight, and the severity of your arthritis should help guide your choice. If you’re exploring these options, consulting a specialist at London Cartilage Clinic can help you make a confident, informed decision. And always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for your individual situation.

References

Gao, H. C. K., Akhtar, M., Creedon, C., Nar, Ö. O., & Lee, P. Y. (2025). THE IMPACT OF PATIENT FACTORS ON THE MINIMAL CLINICALLY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE OF ARTHROSAMID POLYACRYLAMIDE HYDROGEL INJECTION FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A COHORT STUDY. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.02.648
Li, A., Wang, H., Yu, Z., Zhang, G., Feng, S., Liu, L., & Gao, Y. (2019). Platelet-rich plasma vs corticosteroids for elbow epicondylitis. Medicine, 98(51), e18358. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000018358
Örücü Atar, M., Yaşar, E., Tezen, Ö., Bilgin, E., Yurtoğulları, Ş., Köroğlu, Ö., & Gürçay, E. (2022). Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection with Corticosteroid Injection for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Fiziksel Tıp Ve Rehabilitasyon Bilimleri Dergisi, 25(3), 299-306. https://doi.org/10.31609/jpmrs.2022-88198