Aesthetic Clinic

Arthrosamid Injection for Patients Who Want to Avoid Repeated Steroid

25 September 2026

10 min read

Arthrosamid Injection for Patients Who Want to Avoid Repeated Steroid

✅ Medically reviewed | Updated July 2026

You book the appointment. You sit on the couch. The needle goes in, and for a few weeks your knee feels calmer. Then the ache creeps back. Stairs feel steep again. Morning stiffness returns before you finish your first cup of tea. Soon you find yourself back in the same chair, asking for the same injection.

If that cycle sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many people with knee osteoarthritis rely on steroid injections because they bring quick, short-term relief. NICE guidance puts that relief at around 2 to 10 weeks. That leaves a large part of the year uncovered.

What if one injection could do the work of many? That question sits at the heart of the Arthrosamid vs steroid injections debate. Arthrosamid takes a different path. Instead of calming inflammation for a few weeks, this hydrogel integrates with the soft lining of your knee. Published follow-up studies have reported sustained improvements in pain and function for up to five years in study participants.

This guide explains how Arthrosamid works, what the science says, who it suits and what the Arthrosamid injection cost looks like in the UK. It also shows you how to book with Dr Syed Nadeem Abbas at Dr SNA Clinic on Wimpole Street. No jargon and no hard sell, just clear answers so you can choose with confidence.

Why Patients Look Beyond Repeated Steroid Injections

Steroid injections do one job well: they reduce inflammation for a short time. For many patients, that short window is the problem.

The Short-Term Relief Cycle

Because the effect fades, doctors often repeat steroid injections as needed. Each round means another appointment, another wait and another dip in comfort as the relief wears off. Patients who want steady, predictable days often grow tired of this pattern.

A Different Goal: Longer-Lasting Support

Arthrosamid aims for something else. It offers a single injection rather than a course of repeated appointments. For patients who have had only limited or temporary benefit from steroid injections, it can open a new conversation with their clinician.

Arthrosamid vs Steroid Injections: A Side-by-Side Look

Here is a simple comparison, drawn from NICE guidance and official Arthrosamid materials cited by Dr SNA Clinic:

Feature	Arthrosamid	Steroid Injection
How it works	Integrates with synovial tissue	Reduces inflammation temporarily
Duration	Up to 5 years in published follow-up studies	Around 2 to 10 weeks (NICE)
Injections	Single injection	Repeated as needed
Material	Non-biodegradable hydrogel	Biodegradable corticosteroid
Downtime	Reduced activity for a few days	Minimal

The key difference is time. Steroids offer weeks. Study participants have reported Arthrosamid benefits lasting years, although individual results vary.

Arthrosamid Injection: What It Actually Is

Arthrosamid is a non-surgical treatment for suitable adults with knee osteoarthritis. It is a non-biodegradable hydrogel made of 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide.

The clinician injects it directly into the knee joint under ultrasound guidance. Steroid and hyaluronic acid injections work for a limited time before they fade. Arthrosamid instead aims to integrate with the synovial tissue that lines the knee.

It does not cure arthritis, and it does not reverse joint damage. What it can do, for suitable patients, is reduce pain, ease stiffness and support better movement over time.

How Arthrosamid Works

The treatment follows four clear stages, described in official Arthrosamid and Contura materials.

Stage 1: Injection Into the Knee

After applying local anaesthetic, the clinician injects the hydrogel into the synovial cavity of the knee. Ultrasound guidance supports accurate placement. Patients have it as an outpatient procedure.

Stage 2: Uptake Into the Lining

The hydrogel disperses in the joint fluid. The knee’s natural filtering process then draws it into the synovial membrane. This integration is largely complete within four to six weeks.

Stage 3: Integration and Elasticity

As the hydrogel settles into the tissue, official materials describe greater tissue elasticity and resilience. This may ease symptoms and improve movement. Researchers are still studying the exact pathways behind the pain relief.

Stage 4: Lasting Support

Because the body does not break down Arthrosamid the way it breaks down other injected materials, its effect can continue. This is what makes Arthrosamid a genuine long-term option rather than a quick fix.

You can watch Dr Abbas explain how Arthrosamid works in a short video.

The Science Behind Arthrosamid Injection

The science focuses on the synovial membrane, the soft tissue lining inside your knee. Once the hydrogel becomes part of this tissue, it may help create a cushioning effect and support joint elasticity. Dr SNA Clinic also notes that it may help reduce inflammatory activity in the synovial lining.

What the Evidence Shows

Randomised controlled trial: A published trial compared Arthrosamid with hyaluronic acid. Arthrosamid proved non-inferior over 12 months after a single injection, with clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function.
Five-year data: A 2025 publication reported sustained improvements in pain, stiffness and function through to five years in study participants.
Wide use: Official Arthrosamid messaging from January 2026 reports more than 20,000 patients treated.

An Honest Note on Limitations

The evidence is growing but remains limited compared with more established treatments. Studies involve selected patients in controlled settings, so your own result may differ.

To understand why osteoarthritis pain starts in the knee lining, watch this short explainer on synovitis and knee pain. You’ll find the full series on the clinic’s official channel.

What Arthrosamid Injection Treats

Arthrosamid treats the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Patients who ask about it often describe:

Persistent knee pain that continues despite rest, pain relief or physiotherapy
Morning stiffness on waking or after sitting
Reduced mobility, such as trouble with stairs or rising from a chair
Swelling in or around the knee
Pain on bending or straightening the joint
Lost confidence in everyday movement

Not all knee pain comes from osteoarthritis. Dr Abbas reviews your symptoms, history and any imaging before discussing whether Arthrosamid fits your case.

Who May and May Not Be Suitable

You may suit Arthrosamid if you:

Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
Have tried physiotherapy, weight management or pain relief without enough benefit
Want a non-surgical option first
Found steroid or hyaluronic acid injections gave limited or temporary relief

It may not suit you if you:

Have an allergy to polyacrylamide
Have an active knee infection
Had recent knee surgery
Have severe structural joint damage
Have knee pain from a different condition

Why Choose Arthrosamid Injection

One injection, no general anaesthetic and the possibility of years of relief. That combination explains why so many patients consider it.

A single injection under local anaesthetic
Same-day discharge for most patients
A 30 to 45 minute procedure
A non-biodegradable hydrogel that stays in the synovial tissue
For some suitable patients, a way to postpone more invasive options (this is not guaranteed)

Arthrosamid Injection Cost UK: Transparent Pricing

Dr SNA Clinic publishes its prices openly, with no hidden fees. Here is the current Arthrosamid injection cost at the clinic:

One knee: £2,800 (previously £3,200)
Both knees: £5,300 (previously £6,400)
Consultation fee: £100, which the clinic deducts from your treatment cost if you proceed

What Your Fee Includes

Every treatment includes a full consultation with Dr Abbas, the ultrasound-guided injection, and a follow-up assessment with ongoing support. The single-knee package also includes enhanced recovery support, with post-injection physio guidance and supplement advice.

Spreading the Cost

The clinic offers 0% finance, so you can pay in instalments. Compared with booking injection after injection, a one-off treatment makes budgeting simpler. You can compare the full Arthrosamid treatment price in London online. The clinic confirms all costs at consultation.

Arthrosamid Injection Near You: Meet Dr Syed Nadeem Abbas

If you are searching for an Arthrosamid injection near you in London, Dr SNA Clinic on Wimpole Street is a strong choice. Dr Abbas personally performs every Arthrosamid injection and never delegates it.

His background includes:

MBBS, MRCSEd (Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) and an MSc with Distinction from Queen Mary University of London
Over six years in Trauma and Orthopaedics at NHS hospitals including Cambridge and Oxford
Arthrosamid specialist certification through the American Cellular Medical Association
More than 10,000 patients treated, from over 90 countries
A 4.9-star rating from 36 verified Google reviews

Dr Abbas is direct and unhurried. If he thinks Arthrosamid is unlikely to help you, he will tell you plainly. To learn more about his credentials, view his full profile.

Clinic Address, Timings and Contact

Address: 48 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London W1G 8SF
Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (UK time)
Primary line: +44 7955 836986
Office line: +44 20 3846 7111
Email: info@drsnaclinic.com

The clinic is CQC regulated and Dr Abbas is GMC registered. To book, request your appointment here or visit the website. Alongside joint care, the clinic offers men’s health treatments such as the P-Shot treatment in London.

What Happens at Your Consultation

Your consultation is a clinical assessment, not a sales meeting. Dr Abbas will:

Take a detailed history of your knee symptoms and past treatments
Review any imaging you have, or arrange investigations if needed
Explain realistic outcomes and alternative options
Answer every question, with no obligation to proceed

Recovery and When Results Begin

The First Few Days

Mild discomfort, swelling or a feeling of fullness is normal. Plan for three to five days of reduced activity and avoid strenuous exercise until Dr Abbas advises otherwise.

Your Results Timeline

Weeks 1 to 2: The knee settles, and most patients notice little change yet.
Week 4: Some patients feel early improvements in comfort or stiffness.
Weeks 8 to 12: Many patients report their biggest gains in this period.
12 months and beyond: Studies report sustained results for up to five years.

Contact the clinic straight away if you notice increasing redness, warmth, fever or worsening pain.

Practical Tips Before You Book

List every injection you’ve had, with dates, so Dr Abbas can see your pattern of relief.
Bring any existing imaging to your consultation.
Mention all allergies, including to antibiotics or local anaesthetic. Product instructions require antibiotics before the injection.
Plan a few lighter days after treatment.
Ask about physiotherapy, which may support your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arthrosamid painful?
Most patients describe low to moderate discomfort. The clinician uses local anaesthetic before the injection.

Can I treat both knees?
Yes, if you are suitable after assessment. Treating both knees costs £5,300 at Dr SNA Clinic.

Can Arthrosamid help me avoid knee replacement?
It may help some suitable patients postpone more invasive options, but no clinician can guarantee this.

What are the common side effects?
Temporary pain, swelling, stiffness or bruising. Infection is rare but serious.

When will I feel better?
Many patients notice changes from around four weeks, with the main improvement between weeks 8 and 12.

Final Thoughts

When you compare Arthrosamid vs steroid injections, the choice comes down to what you want from treatment. Steroids offer a few calm weeks. Arthrosamid offers a single treatment that aims to support your knee for much longer. If you are tired of counting down the weeks until your next injection, it may be time to ask a different question.

Book a consultation with Dr Abbas at Dr SNA Clinic London and get an honest, expert answer about your knee.

Related Reading From Dr SNA Clinic

Mr Syed Nadeem Abbas, MBBS, MRCSEd, MSc Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Distinction) Medical Director, Dr SNA Clinic 48 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London W1G 8SF GMC Registered | CQC Regulated | Monday to Saturday 10:00–18:00 +44 7955 836986 | info@drsnaclinic.com