Living with knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a journey that often involves a frustrating search for lasting relief. You may have tried physiotherapy, relied on painkillers, or experienced the temporary respite of steroid injections, only for the familiar, debilitating pain to return. It’s a cycle that can leave you feeling hopeless, especially when the prospect of major knee replacement surgery looms on the horizon.
But what if there was another option? A treatment that could bridge the gap between temporary fixes and invasive surgery? Enter Arthrosamid®, a revolutionary, non-biodegradable hydrogel injection that offers safe, sustained pain relief for those with knee OA.
At MyMSK Clinic, we are proud to be one of the specialist centres offering this groundbreaking treatment. We frequently hear the question: “Is Arthrosamid right for me?” While only a thorough consultation with a musculoskeletal specialist can provide a definitive answer, this guide will help you understand the ideal patient profile for an Arthrosamid injection and determine if you might be a suitable candidate.
First, A Quick Recap: What is Arthrosamid?
Before we explore who is a good candidate, it’s important to understand what Arthrosamid is and how it differs from other treatments.
Unlike steroid injections that reduce inflammation temporarily, or hyaluronic acid that mimics joint fluid, Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable hydrogel. When injected into the knee joint, it integrates with the synovial membrane, forming a permanent, cushioning layer. It doesn’t get broken down by the body. This unique mechanism provides a durable buffer within the joint, leading to a significant and long-lasting reduction in pain and stiffness.
The Ideal Candidate for Arthrosamid: A Checklist
Does the following profile sound like you? If you find yourself nodding along to several of these points, an Arthrosamid consultation could be your next logical step.
1. You Suffer from Moderate to Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
Arthrosamid is primarily intended for individuals whose knee OA has progressed beyond a mild inconvenience. The ideal candidate is someone whose symptoms are significantly impacting their quality of life. This includes:
- Persistent Pain: You experience daily knee pain, especially when weight-bearing (walking, climbing stairs) or after periods of inactivity.
- Joint Stiffness: Your knee feels stiff, particularly in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
- Reduced Mobility: The pain and stiffness limit your ability to walk long distances, exercise, or perform everyday tasks.
- Swelling: You have noticeable swelling around the knee joint.
If your OA is preventing you from living the life you want, Arthrosamid is designed to help.
2. Previous Treatments Have Not Provided Lasting Relief
Many of our patients have already been on a long treatment journey. An excellent candidate for Arthrosamid is someone who has tried conservative, first-line treatments but found them to be insufficient or short-lived. This includes:
- Oral Painkillers & NSAIDs: You’ve found that oral medications are no longer effective, or you’re concerned about the long-term side effects.
- Physiotherapy: While beneficial for strengthening, it hasn’t been enough to manage your pain levels.
- Steroid (Cortisone) Injections: You may have experienced good, but temporary, relief from steroid shots. If you’re tired of the “rollercoaster” of pain returning every few months, Arthrosamid’s long-lasting effect could be the answer.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: You may have tried these “lubricant” injections without achieving the desired level of pain relief.
If this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It means you may be ready for a more durable, next-generation treatment.
3. You Want to Avoid or Delay Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a major undertaking with a significant recovery period. For many, it’s a step they’re not physically, mentally, or logistically ready for. Arthrosamid is an outstanding option for patients who fit into this category:
- You’re “Too Young” for Surgery: Many surgeons are reluctant to perform knee replacements on younger, more active patients (typically under 60) due to the limited lifespan of artificial joints. Arthrosamid can effectively manage pain for years, helping to bridge this gap.
- You Wish to Avoid the Risks: You are concerned about the risks associated with major surgery and anaesthesia.
- You Can’t Afford the Downtime: You have a career, family commitments, or a lifestyle that makes a multi-month recovery period unfeasible.
Arthrosamid provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to manage your symptoms and push the need for surgery further into the future.
4. You Are Looking for a Long-Term, Sustainable Solution
The single greatest advantage of Arthrosamid is its durability. Because the hydrogel is non-biodegradable, the relief it provides has been shown in clinical studies to be sustained for years after a single treatment. The ideal candidate is someone who is looking for a “one-and-done” treatment (for the foreseeable future) rather than repeated injections every few months. This makes it not only more convenient but also a potentially more cost-effective solution over the long term.
Who Might NOT Be a Suitable Candidate?
To ensure patient safety and the best possible outcomes, there are a few situations where Arthrosamid may not be the recommended treatment:
- Active Knee Infection: If you have an active infection in your knee or the skin around it, the procedure cannot be performed.
- End-Stage or “Bone-on-Bone” Arthritis: While Arthrosamid can help in severe cases, if your OA has progressed to the point where there is no cartilage left, surgery might be the only effective option. A specialist assessment with imaging is crucial to determine this.
- Allergy to the Components: Though rare, an allergy to any of the hydrogel’s components would be a contraindication.
Why a Specialist Consultation at MyMSK Clinic is Crucial
This guide provides a strong starting point, but it cannot replace a one-on-one consultation with a musculoskeletal expert. Determining your candidacy for Arthrosamid requires a professional evaluation.
When you visit MyMSK Clinic for a consultation, our Specialist Dr Akhtar will:
- Conduct a thorough physical examination of your knee.
- Review your medical history and previous treatments.
- Use diagnostic imaging, like ultrasound or X-rays, to assess the exact condition of your joint.
This comprehensive assessment ensures that Arthrosamid is the right and safest choice for your specific circumstances. We will give you an honest appraisal of the potential benefits and help you set realistic expectations for your outcome.
Your Next Step Towards Lasting Knee Pain Relief
If you read the checklist and thought, “That sounds exactly like me,” then you may be an excellent candidate for Arthrosamid. This innovative treatment offers a unique opportunity to break free from the cycle of chronic knee pain without resorting to major surgery. Don’t let osteoarthritis control your life. Take the next step and find out if this long-lasting solution is right for you. Book your Arthrosamid consultation at our specialist clinics in Manchester or Burnley today.