Arthrosamid vs. Hyaluronic Acid vs. Steroid Injections: Which is Right for Your Knee Pain?

When you’re seeking relief from Chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain, the world of injectable treatments can feel overwhelming. You hear terms like “cortisone shots,” “lubricant injections,” and now, a new “hydrogel” treatment. Each one promises to alleviate your pain, but they work in fundamentally different ways and are suited for different stages of your condition.

Making the right choice is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. 

Is a quick fix for a painful flare-up your priority? Are you looking for a medium-term solution to improve joint function? Or are you seeking a long-lasting, single-injection treatment that could help you delay surgery for years?

At MyMSK Clinic, we believe an informed patient is an empowered patient. This guide will provide a clear, head-to-head comparison of the three primary knee injection options—Steroids (Corticosteroids), Hyaluronic Acid (HA), and Arthrosamid®—to help you understand which path might be right for you.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Before we compare them, let’s briefly introduce each treatment.

• Steroid (Corticosteroid) Injections: Think of these as the fast-acting firefighters. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. When injected into the knee, its primary goal is to rapidly extinguish a painful inflammatory flare-up, quickly reducing swelling and pain.
  
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections: These are the joint lubricants. Also known as viscosupplementation, HA is a gel-like substance that mimics the natural synovial fluid in your joint. The goal is to restore lubrication, reduce friction, and improve shock absorption in knees affected by mild to moderate OA.
  
• Arthrosamid® Injections: This is the long-lasting cushion. Arthrosamid is a new generation of treatment—a non-biodegradable hydrogel. It acts as a permanent, flexible scaffold within the joint, integrating with the joint lining to provide a durable cushion that reduces pain and improves function for years.
  

Head-to-Head Comparison: The Key Differences

To truly understand which treatment is best for you, we need to compare them across the factors that matter most to patients: how they work, how quickly they work, how long they last, and what the treatment process involves.

Mechanism of Action (How They Work)

• Steroids: Chemical. They block the inflammatory pathways in the joint to reduce swelling and pain. They do not address the underlying mechanical issues of OA.
  
• Hyaluronic Acid: Mechanical. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, attempting to restore the joint’s natural environment.
  
• Arthrosamid: Structural & Mechanical. It provides a physical cushion that integrates into the joint lining, physically augmenting the joint capsule to provide durable, long-term relief from the stresses of movement.
  

Speed of Relief (How Quickly They Work)

• Steroids: Very Fast. Typically provides relief within 24-72 hours, making it ideal for acute, severe pain.
  
• Hyaluronic Acid: Slow. The benefits build gradually over several weeks as the substance lubricates the joint.
  
• Arthrosamid: Gradual. Patients usually begin to feel a noticeable improvement in the first few weeks, with the full effect building over the first three months as the hydrogel fully settles and integrates.
  

Duration of Relief (How Long They Last)

• Steroids: Short-Term. The relief is powerful but temporary, typically lasting from a few weeks to a maximum of a few months.
  
• Hyaluronic Acid: Medium-Term. The effects generally last for about 6 months, after which the body has naturally broken down the substance.
  
• Arthrosamid: Long-Term. This is its defining advantage. Because the hydrogel is not biodegradable, clinical evidence shows its effect is sustained for 2-3 (in some cases even longer) after a single injection.
  

Treatment Protocol (How Many Injections)

• Steroids: A single injection is given to manage a flare-up. Due to potential side effects like cartilage damage, the number of injections is limited per year.
  
• Hyaluronic Acid: Traditionally required a course of 3 weekly injections, newer formulations now offer a single injection protocol.
  
• Arthrosamid: A single injection is all that is required to provide its long-lasting effect.
  

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Each?

• Choose Steroids if: You are experiencing a severe, acute flare-up of your OA and need fast, powerful, short-term relief to get back on your feet.
  
• Choose Hyaluronic Acid if: You have mild to moderate OA, and your primary symptoms are related to stiffness and a feeling of friction in the joint. You are looking for a medium-term solution.
  
• Choose Arthrosamid if: You have moderate to severe OA and are seeking a long-term, durable solution. You are tired of the cycle of repeated short-term injections and want to delay or avoid the need for knee replacement surgery.
  

Making the Right Choice at MyMSK Clinic

As you can see, there is no single “best” injection—only the best injection for you. Making that determination requires a professional diagnosis and a deep understanding of your specific condition, your lifestyle, and your treatment goals.

This is where a specialist consultation is invaluable. 

At MyMSK Clinic, our process begins with a comprehensive evaluation:

1. A Detailed Assessment: We listen to your history and conduct a thorough physical examination of your knee.
   
2. Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: We use on-site ultrasound to scan your joint, assessing the degree of arthritis, inflammation, and overall joint health with precision.
   
3. A Personalised Recommendation: Based on our findings, we will have an open discussion with you about the pros and cons of each option for your knee, recommending the treatment path that offers you the best chance of success.
   

Your Clearer Path to Knee Pain Relief

Navigating your treatment options doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding the fundamental differences—Steroids for fast relief, Hyaluronic Acid for medium-term lubrication, and Arthrosamid for long-term cushioning—you can begin to see which path aligns with your needs.

The next step is to get an expert opinion. 

Book a comprehensive knee pain consultation at our specialist clinics in Manchester or Burnley. 

Let us help you choose the right injection to get you back to living your life with less pain.