If you’re living with knee osteoarthritis (OA), you know how discouraging it can be to wake up each morning with stiff, tight, and achy knees. This “morning start-up stiffness” can last from a few minutes to half an hour—or sometimes even longer—making everyday activities like getting out of bed, walking, or climbing stairs feel like an uphill battle. OA is a chronic condition where the cartilage protecting your joint wears down over time, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement. Although there are many treatments available, most only provide temporary relief, and surgery is usually the last resort.
Enter Arthrosamid : an innovative, minimally invasive treatment option that’s now offering fresh hope to people struggling with stiffness-driven knee OA. Arthrosamid is a new injectable hydrogel designed to cushion your knee joint and relieve stiffness. With just one injection, it offers the possibility of longer-lasting relief and improved mobility—without the need for surgery. It’s quickly becoming a popular choice for those looking to regain comfort and independence.
How Arthrosamid Works in the Knee Joint
Arthrosamid is made from a polyacrylamide hydrogel , which is 97.5% water and 2.5% polymer for structure. This makes it remarkably similar to your body’s own joint lubricant, the synovial fluid , which helps reduce friction and cushion bone surfaces as you move. In OA, synovial fluid becomes less effective, contributing to stiffness and pain.
The procedure itself is simple: after numbing your knee with a local anaesthetic, your doctor cleans the area and uses ultrasound guidance to inject the hydrogel directly into the joint. You’ll be able to go home shortly after—no stitches or general anaesthetic required.
Once inside your knee, Arthrosamid integrates with the joint tissues, boosting the thickness and effectiveness of synovial fluid . This helps cushion joint surfaces, reduces friction, and allows for smoother, easier movement—especially important when you first start moving in the morning. Clinical experience over the past two decades has shown Arthrosamid to be very safe, with minimal side effects—usually just mild discomfort or temporary swelling at the injection site.
Clinical Evidence: Efficacy and Safety
Research has shown that Arthrosamid offers real benefits for those with knee OA, not just by reducing pain, but also specifically by tackling stiffness and improving mobility. In a comprehensive review involving 463 patients, Arthrosamid was found to deliver significant improvement in symptoms for at least a year after just one injection. Some studies even report that benefits can last up to two years for certain patients.
In head-to-head trials with other injectable treatments, such as hyaluronic acid, Arthrosamid has demonstrated even greater reductions in pain and stiffness, while maintaining an excellent safety profile with no serious or long-lasting side effects. Notably, patients under age 70 or those with a healthy body weight seemed to receive the most noticeable improvements—a promising sign for people who are looking for impactful, long-term relief.
A recent large study also pointed out that older patients, especially those with milder OA, no diabetes, and OA in both knees, tend to benefit most from Arthrosamid injections . Overall, the evidence suggests that Arthrosamid is both safe and effective, offering hope to many people who wish to delay or avoid knee surgery.
Targeting Morning Stiffness and Restoring Confidence
Morning stiffness is more than just uncomfortable; it can set the tone for your whole day and sap your confidence. After hours of inactivity while you sleep, joint fluids can become sluggish and joint capsules tighter, making your first steps in the morning slow and painful. This limitation can spill over into daily activities, impacting your quality of life.
Stiffness is usually measured with questionnaires like the WOMAC, which help doctors understand how much this symptom affects your life. Studies highlight just how troublesome morning stiffness can be. For example, integrating practices like yoga has been shown to reduce morning stiffness by more than 98% in just three months—a testament to how powerful effective interventions can be.
Reducing stiffness isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about safety. Stiffer joints have been linked to a higher risk of falls among older adults. That’s why managing stiffness is so important for maintaining independence.
Arthrosamid works by restoring the knee’s natural cushioning and lubrication, directly addressing the root cause of stiffness. By improving the consistency of synovial fluid, it helps you avoid that “stuck” feeling when you get out of bed, supporting easier, more comfortable movement as you start your day. Many patients report feeling lighter and more mobile within minutes of waking up after their treatment—in short, it offers a simple way back to enjoying the morning and reclaiming daily confidence.
Collaborative Care with Professor Paul Lee and MSK Doctors
Choosing the right treatment starts with expert care. Professor Paul Lee , a leading orthopaedic specialist, and the team at MSK Doctors are dedicated to helping patients find the best solution for their knee problems. At MSK Doctors, your care goes beyond the injection—they provide comprehensive assessment, precision-guided injection techniques, and ongoing support for your recovery.
They also offer tailored rehabilitation programmes, including physiotherapy and lifestyle advice, to help you get the most from your Arthrosamid treatment . Thanks to the experience and teamwork of Professor Lee and MSK Doctors, patients can look forward to a holistic approach that maximises the chances of long-term improvement and joint health.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with morning stiffness from knee osteoarthritis , Arthrosamid offers a new and exciting treatment option. This water-based hydrogel delivers lasting relief from pain and stiffness through a single, minimally invasive injection . With strong clinical backing and an excellent safety profile, it’s a valuable alternative to traditional injections and surgery.
If you think Arthrosamid could be right for you, book a consultation with a qualified specialist for personalised advice. And remember—while injections can provide relief, combining them with physiotherapy and rehabilitation is the best way to support long-term recovery. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
References
- Arthrosamid Patient Brochures and Leaflets
- Cole, A., Maulana, R. K., Whitehead, J. P., & Lee, P. Y. F. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Novel Compound Arthrosamid Polyacrylamide (PAAG) Hydrogel for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Medical Research Archives, 10(8).
- Bliddal H., Beier J., Hartkopp A., Conaghan P.G., Henriksen M., “Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Versus Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Study,” Bone & Joint Journal, 2023
- Bliddal H. et al., “Prospective Study of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: 3-year Results,” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2024
- Nagarathna R., Ebnezar J., Yogitha B., Nagendra H.R., “Effect of Integrated Yoga Therapy on Pain, Morning Stiffness and Anxiety in Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2012
- 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. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, , . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2025.103136
- Uritani, D., Koda, H., Yasuura, Y., & Kusumoto, A. (2022). Factors associated with subjective knee joint stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 26(3), 425-436. https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-185x.14536
Frequently Asked Questions
Arthrosamid is a minimally invasive hydrogel injection that cushions and lubricates the knee joint, restoring the consistency of synovial fluid. This reduces friction and stiffness, making it easier to move after periods of rest, especially in the morning.
MSK Doctors, led by Professor Paul Lee—a leading orthopaedic specialist—offers expert assessment, precision-guided injections, and dedicated aftercare. Their holistic approach ensures tailored rehabilitation and ongoing support, helping patients maximise the benefits of Arthrosamid treatment.
Clinical studies show Arthrosamid to be very safe with minimal side effects, such as mild swelling or discomfort. It is suitable for patients who are looking for non-surgical options to manage knee pain and stiffness under experienced medical supervision.
Research suggests that younger patients, those with healthier body weights, and people with milder osteoarthritis symptoms may see the most marked improvements from Arthrosamid. However, individual assessment at MSK Doctors ensures the best personalised treatment plan.
At MSK Doctors, care includes comprehensive assessment, expert injection techniques, and customised rehabilitation plans. With Professor Lee’s guidance, patients receive individualised support, including physiotherapy and lifestyle advice, for optimal recovery and improved knee health.
Legal & Medical Disclaimer
This article is written by an independent contributor and reflects their personal opinions and professional experience. It does not necessarily represent the views of hipreplacementlincolnshire.co.uk. All guest submissions are published in good faith, and londoncartilage.com does not verify the accuracy of claims, the clinical content, or the legal ownership of any images or media submitted.
The content is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Readers should not rely on the information in this article to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Always seek personalised medical guidance from a licensed clinician before making health-related decisions.
The responsibility for ensuring that all text, data, and images comply with copyright, privacy, and data protection laws lies solely with the article’s author. hipreplacementlincolnshire.co.uk takes no responsibility for third-party content and will act promptly to remove any material found to be inappropriate, inaccurate, or in breach of regulations.
hipreplacementlincolnshire.co.uk accept no liability for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of or reliance on content published on this site. By accessing this article, you agree to these terms.
If you believe this content breaches any rights or contains inaccurate information, please contact us at [email protected].