Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often painful condition that affects millions of people, making everyday activities like walking, working, and enjoying hobbies increasingly difficult. While surgery, such as knee replacement, is often the go-to solution for advanced OA, many patients with moderate symptoms are looking for less invasive ways to manage their condition. Arthrosamid, an innovative injectable treatment made from a soft gel called polyacrylamide hydrogel, is emerging as a promising non-surgical option. It not only helps relieve pain but also offers the potential to delay the need for surgery. In this article, we will explore how Arthrosamid serves as a valuable "bridge option"—helping patients stay active, continue working, and postpone more invasive treatments.

Understanding Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis and Why Alternatives Matter

Moderate knee osteoarthritis is characterised by persistent discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility that can affect everyday life—whether working, exercising, or enjoying leisure activities. Many people in this stage feel caught between managing ongoing pain and trying to avoid surgery. For working-age adults or anyone looking to maintain an active lifestyle, non-surgical approaches are especially appealing as they provide symptom relief without the downtime and risks that come with operations.

What Is Arthrosamid and How Does It Work?

Arthrosamid is an injectable treatment made from polyacrylamide hydrogel, a soft, water-rich gel that is gently introduced into the knee joint. Its purpose is to supplement the knee’s natural lubricating fluid, improving cushioning and reducing friction between the bones. This leads to less pain and greater ease of movement. Unlike some traditional treatments, Arthrosamid’s gel remains longer in the joint, offering extended relief. Research confirms that “the intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) injection [is] known to be safe and efficacious in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients” (Gao et al., 2025a). Simply put, it is a safe option that helps many people manage their symptoms more comfortably.

Arthrosamid as a Bridge Option: Delaying Surgery While Maintaining Your Lifestyle

The term "bridge option" refers to treatments that help manage OA symptoms well enough to postpone the need for knee surgery. Arthrosamid fits this role well by providing pain relief and improved joint function for up to two years or more. While other injectable treatments such as hyaluronic acid are also used, studies found no significant difference in delaying surgery between different types of hyaluronic acid injections after accounting for various factors (Shewale et al., 2017). In comparison, Arthrosamid may offer distinct benefits, especially for certain groups. One study noted that PAAG injections improved symptoms over 24 months predominantly in older patients, those without diabetes, and people with less severe OA (Gao et al., 2025b). This means Arthrosamid can help many people keep working, stay active, and enjoy their hobbies longer before considering surgery.

Expert Care and Guidance: Making the Best Choices for Your Knees

Professor Paul Lee, a respected expert in orthopaedics and rehabilitation, stresses the importance of personalised and evidence-based care for knee osteoarthritis. Clinics like MSK Doctors offer knowledgeable consultations and bespoke treatment plans, supporting patients through their options, including Arthrosamid and other non-surgical treatments. This professional approach ensures that each person receives safe, effective care tailored to their individual needs. It is important to note that neither Professor Lee nor MSK Doctors developed Arthrosamid; their role is purely clinical and supportive.

Conclusion: Exploring Non-Surgical Options Before Surgery

For many people with moderate knee osteoarthritis, Arthrosamid represents a reliable, non-surgical choice to manage symptoms and delay surgery—all while maintaining a good quality of life. Anyone experiencing knee OA symptoms should consider discussing all available non-surgical treatments with a healthcare professional before deciding on surgery. For personalised advice, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

References

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

Shewale, A. R., Barnes, C. L., Fischbach, L., Ounpraseuth, S., Painter, J. T., & Martin, B. C. (2017). Comparison of low-, moderate-, and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid injections in delaying time to knee surgery. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 32(10), 2952–2957.e21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2017.04.041