Understanding the Challenge of Knee Osteoarthritis Management

Knee osteoarthritis affects millions worldwide, often leading to persistent knee pain and functional difficulties. The patellofemoral joint—the area between the kneecap and thigh bone—is a frequent source of this discomfort.

Managing knee OA ranges from simple lifestyle changes and pain relief to, in severe cases, surgery. Viscosupplementation—injecting a gel-like substance into the joint to improve the cushioning and lubrication inside the knee—is one such non-surgical option. Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of joint fluid, is commonly used for this purpose. It helps lubricate the joint and reduce friction between bones. However, its effects tend to be short-lived, often lasting only a few months, thus requiring regular repeat injections. This cycle can be inconvenient and uncomfortable for many patients.

A review of viscosupplementation treatments emphasises these points: “Viscosupplementation (VS) with hyaluronic acid (HA) is largely used for knee osteoarthritis therapy,” but it also cautions that “some questions still remain open,” especially concerning the best treatment schedules and identifying which patients benefit most.

These challenges underline the need for approaches that offer more lasting joint support, enhancing quality of life and easing the burden of ongoing care.

Arthrosamid and Hyaluronic Acid: How Do They Work and What Does the Evidence Say?

Though both Arthrosamid and hyaluronic acid involve injecting a substance into the joint, their composition and how they work differ substantially.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our joints and contributes to the fluid's thickness and elasticity, helping cushion and ease the movement of joint surfaces. Unfortunately, when injected, it breaks down fairly quickly and is cleared from the joint after some months, limiting how long relief lasts.

On the other hand, Arthrosamid is a synthetic gel made of polyacrylamide hydrogel. What makes it particularly interesting is its ability to integrate into the synovial tissue—the lining of the joint—creating a stable, long-lasting cushion. This property, called synovial integration, helps explain why Arthrosamid may provide prolonged symptom relief compared to hyaluronic acid.

A recent study tracking patients over two years found that Arthrosamid "provided improvement in knee OA symptoms over 24 months, in older, non-diabetic patients with lower KL grades," meaning those with milder disease tended to benefit the most. The same research noted that factors increasing the chance of meaningful improvement included being older, not having diabetes, and having osteoarthritis in both knees rather than just one.

Importantly, Arthrosamid is typically given as a single injection, which can be a significant advantage for patients seeking convenience. In contrast, hyaluronic acid injections often require several treatments spread out over weeks, with symptom relief commonly fading after a few months.

While these findings are promising, it’s crucial to remember that no treatment works identically for everyone, and outcomes can vary.

The Patient Experience: Why Durability and Convenience Matter

For anyone living with knee osteoarthritis , how long a treatment keeps pain at bay makes a real difference. Longer-lasting relief means fewer trips to the clinic and less disruption to daily life.

Arthrosamid’s potential to provide durable symptom control with just one injection reduces the physical and logistical stress of repeated treatments. It offers patients a simpler journey towards managing their pain and maintaining mobility.

Although some hyaluronic acid products designed with higher molecular weight require fewer injections, treatment schedules are often inconsistent and still demand several visits. Furthermore, there’s a recognised need for clearer guidance to standardise these protocols.

These benefits are enhanced when patients receive care from experienced specialists. Teams like MSK Doctors , led by Professor Paul Lee, combine clinical expertise with personalised care, helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes with treatments like Arthrosamid.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Long-Term Knee Osteoarthritis Care

The treatment of knee osteoarthritis is evolving, with a growing focus on therapies that offer sustained joint support and consistent results. Arthrosamid’s ability to integrate into joint tissues and provide durable cushioning is an important step forward.

Still, more research is needed to better understand who stands to gain most from such treatments, as well as to monitor their long-term safety and effectiveness. The review of hyaluronic acid use in hip osteoarthritis also highlights a broader need within this field: “larger and placebo controlled trials… to confirm the efficacy of VS,” or viscosupplementation.

Patients and clinicians alike should maintain a balanced view, considering new therapies as part of a personalised care plan that takes into account individual symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, Arthrosamid shows encouraging potential as a longer-lasting alternative to traditional hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis. Its unique ability to integrate with joint tissue and sustain symptom relief – often with just a single treatment – offers notable convenience and improved patient experience.

Crucially, expert care from clinicians such as Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team remains essential to guide safe, personalised treatment decisions.

For those seeking advice on managing knee osteoarthritis, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is always recommended.

References

Abate, M., Pelotti, P., De Amicis, D., Di Iorio, A., Galletti, S., & Salini, V. (2008). Viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid in Hip Osteoarthritis (a review). Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences, 113(3), 261-278. https://doi.org/10.3109/2000-1967-233
Gao, H.C.K., Akhtar, M., Creedon, C., Nar, Ö.O., Verma, T., & Lee, P.Y.F. (2025). Polyacrylamide hydrogel injections in knee osteoarthritis: A PROMs-based 24 month cohort study.