Avoiding a Knee Replacement? : A Closer Look at Treatment Options

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common causes of joint pain and disability, affecting millions of people worldwide. As cartilage wears down over time, patients experience pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that can severely impact quality of life. While lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and oral medications remain foundational, many patients are turning to injectable therapies for more targeted relief with the hope of delaying a knee replacement.

In this post, we'll explore three popular injection-based treatments available for knee osteoarthritis: steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and the newer Arthrosamid hydrogel injections.

1. Corticosteroid Injections: Fast-Acting Relief

What they are: Corticosteroid injections (commonly referred to as steroid injections) contain powerful anti-inflammatory medications that are delivered directly into the knee joint. The goal is to reduce inflammation, which in turn helps relieve pain and swelling.

Benefits:

• Rapid pain relief, often within a few days

• Useful during flare-ups or when pain is severe

• Minimally invasive and can be done in-clinic

Limitations:

• Relief is typically short-term (lasting weeks to a few months)

• Repeated injections may weaken cartilage or bone over time

• Not a long-term solution

  
  

Best suited for: Patients experiencing acute flare-ups or those who need temporary relief to stay active or complete physical therapy.

2. Hyaluronic Acid (Durolane): Lubricating the Joint

What it is:Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in joint fluid. In OA, the concentration and quality of this fluid decrease. HA injections aim to restore lubrication and cushioning in the knee, improving mobility and reducing pain.

Benefits:

• May improve joint movement and reduce discomfort

• Effects can last up to 6 months in some patients

• May delay the need for surgery

Limitations:

• Onset of relief is slower (may take several weeks)

• Works best in early to moderate OA

• Response can be variable

Best suited for: Patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who haven’t responded well to first-line treatments and are looking for non-surgical options.

3. Arthrosamid® Hydrogel Injections: A New Frontier

What it is: Arthrosamid is a newer injectable treatment made from non-biodegradable polyacrylamide hydrogel. Unlike traditional injections, Arthrosamid integrates into the joint capsule, creating a cushion-like effect and providing long-lasting relief.

Benefits:

• Designed for long-term symptom relief (studies show improvement lasting up to 2 years or more)

• Non-degradable and non-resorbable—stays in the joint

• Reduces pain and improves knee function without the need for repeated injections

Limitations:

• Newer on the market, so long-term data, although amazing, is still emerging

• May not be widely available in all regions

• More expensive than traditional injections

Best suited for: Patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis looking for durable, non-surgical options who may not want or be ready for joint replacement.

Sufferers delay seeking help for knee pain, assuming it’s an unavoidable part of ageing. But Arthrosamid® offers patients a new pathway. Unlike traditional treatments, it’s proven to offer respite from knee osteoarthritis with a single treatment, and without the need for surgery. Sufferers delay seeking help for knee pain, assuming it’s an unavoidable part of ageing. But Arthrosamid® offers patients a new pathway. Unlike traditional treatments, it’s proven to offer respite from knee osteoarthritis with a single treatment, and without the need for surgery.

Choosing the Right Injection: What to Consider

The ideal treatment depends on several factors:

• Stage of osteoarthritis (mild, moderate, or severe)

• Patient lifestyle and goals (e.g., returning to sport vs. avoiding surgery)

• Previous response to treatments

• Overall health and medical history

  
  

We pride ourselves on our robust triage system (overseen by Mr Pearse, our resident orthopaedic knee surgeon) which is designed to deliver you the best treatment option, tailored to your needs. This is based on your medical history and x-ray/scan results.

Final Thoughts

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, advances in injectable therapies continue to offer patients more choices and better outcomes. Whether you're seeking immediate relief with steroids, smoother joint motion with hyaluronic acid, or a long-lasting solution with Arthrosamid, there’s a growing toolbox to help manage knee OA effectively.

Pro tip: Combine injections with physical therapy, weight management, and activity modification to get the most out of your treatment.

Want to learn more about whether these treatments are right for you?

Email us at thekneeclinic@soaesthetics.co.uk or call us on 01905 969798 to start a personalised treatment plan.