Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often frustrating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can make daily activities painful and unpredictable, disrupting the routines we rely on. Many treatments aim to ease symptoms and improve function, but finding one that offers lasting relief while protecting the joint can be challenging. For years, corticosteroid injections have been a go-to solution due to their quick impact on inflammation and pain. More recently, a newer treatment called Arthrosamid—a hydrogel injection that cushions the joint—has been gaining attention for providing more sustained comfort without some of the downsides linked to steroids.

In this article, we’ll explore these two injectable options, comparing how long their effects last, their impact on patient comfort, and their safety. We’ll also share expert insights from Professor Paul Lee at the London Cartilage Clinic, helping you better understand which treatment might suit different needs.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis and What Treatment Should Deliver

Osteoarthritis, especially in the knee, is one of the leading causes of pain and reduced mobility among adults. Simply put, it happens when the cushioning cartilage that protects joint bones gradually wears away. This causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it harder to move comfortably. The impact can go beyond physical symptoms, affecting work, hobbies, and the ability to plan daily activities.

Effective treatments don’t just mask pain temporarily—they aim to restore function, maintain comfort over time, and crucially, avoid further damage to the joint. Doctors seek therapies that provide relief yet protect the cartilage from worsening, a concept known as a “non-catabolic” approach. Injectable treatments have become popular as a non-surgical way to achieve these goals. They can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help people regain confidence in their everyday movements.

Corticosteroid Injections: Quick Relief but with Some Drawbacks

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs often injected directly into the knee joint to ease inflammation and pain. Patients usually notice relief quickly—sometimes within days—and studies show this benefit may last for several weeks up to a few months. Because of their speed and effectiveness, corticosteroids have long been favoured for acute flare-ups of osteoarthritis symptoms.

That said, this relief tends to be short-lived, and repeated injections can carry risks. One key concern is the possibility that corticosteroids may gradually damage cartilage if used too often, potentially accelerating joint wear. Patients may also experience side effects like local irritation, temporary worsening of symptoms (called a flare), or, less commonly, effects on blood sugar levels.

While corticosteroids can be a useful tool, patients might find the relief unpredictable over time, making it difficult to plan activities without worrying about pain returning. As Professor Paul Lee at the London Cartilage Clinic highlights, careful patient selection and tailored treatment schedules are vital to balancing quick relief with longer-term joint health.

It is also helpful to note that corticosteroid injections, in similar musculoskeletal conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, are acknowledged to be “remarkably effective...in the short term,” yet their benefits beyond the first few weeks are limited (Örücü Atar et al., 2022). This illustrates the temporary nature of their effect.

Arthrosamid: Aiming for Longer-Lasting Comfort and Protection

Arthrosamid offers a different approach. Rather than focusing on inflammation, it is a gel-like substance designed to cushion and lubricate the knee joint. Made from polyacrylamide hydrogel, it integrates within the joint space and supports natural movement without harming cartilage. This makes it an attractive option for patients seeking sustained relief with fewer risks to joint health.

Studies following patients over two years have shown that Arthrosamid can provide steady and longer-lasting improvements in pain and function compared to corticosteroids. Furthermore, recent research has identified which patients tend to benefit most from this treatment, noting: “PAAG provided improvement in knee OA symptoms over 24 months, in older, non-diabetic patients with lower KL grades” (Gao et al., 2025). Here, KL grade refers to the severity of osteoarthritis as seen on X-rays.

Because the relief with Arthrosamid tends to be consistent over time, patients often find they can resume daily tasks and plan activities with more confidence. Side effects are generally mild and localised, and the need for repeated injections is reduced, making it a convenient choice for long-term management.

At the London Cartilage Clinic, Professor Lee and his team emphasise personalised care, matching treatments like Arthrosamid to the individual’s specific condition and lifestyle, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Weighing Up the Options: Which Injection is Right for You?

Both corticosteroids and Arthrosamid have important roles in managing knee osteoarthritis, but they differ in how and when they work best.

If you are experiencing a sudden flare-up with significant inflammation and need fast pain relief, corticosteroid injections may provide quick, effective results. However, as these tend to be temporary and can carry risks with frequent use, they are best suited to carefully planned treatment schedules.

On the other hand, if you want steadier, longer-lasting comfort that supports regular activity and protects your joint cartilage, Arthrosamid offers a promising alternative. It is especially suited to older patients without diabetes and with less severe knee damage.

Your choice will also depend on factors such as the severity of your OA, other health conditions, and personal preferences regarding treatment goals and lifestyle.

Guidance from the Experts at London Cartilage Clinic

Professor Paul Lee’s extensive experience in knee cartilage care highlights the importance of personalised treatment. The team at London Cartilage Clinic combines up-to-date research with thorough clinical assessments to tailor therapies to your unique needs.

They stress that no single treatment suits everyone. Transparency about the benefits and limits of each option empowers patients to make informed decisions aligned with their lifestyle and long-term health goals.

Conclusion

In summary, corticosteroid injections remain an effective option for rapid relief of knee osteoarthritis pain, particularly during flare-ups. However, their effects are usually short-lived and repeated use may risk cartilage damage. Arthrosamid presents a newer therapy designed to offer longer-lasting comfort by cushioning the joint without harm, ideal for those seeking sustained symptom control and improved everyday function.

By consulting specialised clinics such as London Cartilage Clinic, where experts like Professor Paul Lee provide personalised, evidence-based care, patients can navigate these treatment choices confidently.

Ultimately, aiming for safe, sustained relief that helps you live well every day should be the cornerstone of managing knee osteoarthritis.

For individual medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Gao, H. C. K., Akhtar, M., Creedon, C., Verma, T., Nar, Ö. O., & Lee, P. Y. F. (2025). Polyacrylamide hydrogel injections in knee osteoarthritis: A PROMs-based 24 month cohort study.

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