General Practitioner

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis treatment at Kingsbridge provides medical options to manage joint pain and restore your mobility

What Is the treatment for Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis treatment involves various methods to reduce the pain caused by the wear and tear of your knee joints. One modern option is the Arthrosamid hydrogel implant. This is a non-surgical injection that acts as a cushion for your knee.

Many people choose private treatment to avoid the long NHS waiting times currently experienced in Northern Ireland.

Arthrosamid Hydrogel Knee implant

Arthrosamid is hydrogel implant which is used to treat  (“cushion”) knee joints that have been affected by osteoarthritis. It is widely used in Denmark,  where it was devised, and increasingly in the UK and Ireland. There have been over 1,000,000 of these implants used in both humans and horses in the past 10 years since it was approved for use.

We have been providing this in Kingsbridge for the past two years and, so far, 60 patients have had a hydrogel implant inserted into a knee.  (A few patients have had both knees treated).

Most patients find this a relatively painless procedure as it is carried out in a similar fashion to a normal knee steroid injection and because it includes a local anaesthetic injection prior to the insertion of the implant. There may be a little stiffness and discomfort, after the local anaesthetic wears off, for a day or two. We encourage people to walk on the implant as soon as possible, because it is only by doing this that the gel will be moved around inside the joint, to all of the places that it is required within the knee joint itself.

This is an alternative option for the management of osteoarthritis of the knees. While it’s unlikely to replace knee replacement surgery, it will bring about relief for people who are on a long waiting list for knee replacement surgery and are in a lot of pain as they wait.

The benefits can last from between 3 and 5 years. It is particularly suitable for those patients who are either too young or perhaps too old or frail to be considered for surgery, but anyone can have this if it is deemed appropriate for them. This treatment is not recommended for patients who are very overweight or have had some trauma to the knee which has caused the osteoarthritis or surgery.

Overall, it is a straightforward relatively painless and mostly successful procedure that takes about 30 minutes to perform in an outpatient clinic and the outcomes are very encouraging.

Why You Might Need Osteoarthritis Treatment

You may require treatment if joint pain and stiffness prevent you from completing your daily activities.

  • You have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in your knees.
  • Your pain is severe while you wait for a full knee replacement.
  • You are too young for major joint surgery.
  • You are too old or frail to undergo a traditional operation.
  • Previous treatments such as steroid injections no longer provide enough relief.

These treatments are designed to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Benefits of Osteoarthritis treatment

There are several advantages to choosing a hydrogel implant for your knee health.

  • The procedure is a simple outpatient treatment that takes about 30 minutes.
  • You may experience significant improvement in your comfort levels.
  • The relief from the injection can last between 3 and 5 years.
  • It is a relatively painless process compared to major surgery.
  • Most patients can walk and move around immediately after the appointment.

Choosing this option can provide a long term solution for joint discomfort without the need for a hospital stay.

Types of Osteoarthritis treatment available

We offer different methods to address the specific needs of your knee joints.

Your specialist will help you decide which of these options is the most appropriate for your physical condition.

Arthrosamid hydrogel

Arthrosamid hydrogel is an injection used to cushion the affected joint

Local anaesthetic

Local anaesthetic is used during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable.

Steroid injections

Steroid injections are a traditional option for temporary inflammation relief

Knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery remains an option for those with advanced joint damage

What to Expect Before, During, and After Osteoarthritis treatment?

Understanding the process can help you feel prepared for your upcoming clinical appointment.  

Before the Procedure

During the Procedure

After the Procedure

Costs

Costs can vary depending on the procedure and your personal treatment plan. We’ll give you a clear price guide upfront and explain what’s included.

Flexible payment options are available to help spread the cost. Our team is here to answer questions and help you choose the best way to pay.

Treatment From

£2,000.00

Prices accurate as of February 2026 and may be subject to change.


Finance from:

£48.36 per month

Explore Finance Options

*Representative Example: Total amount of Credit £2,000.00. Total charge for credit £901.60. Total Amount Repayable £2,901.60. Repayable by 60 monthly payments of £48.36. Representative 16.9% APR. Example based upon treatment costing £2,000.00 repayable over 60 months. Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

Our Locations

Each site is equipped with modern facilities and experienced teams who will look after you throughout your treatment and recovery.

Our hospitals are easy to reach and offer a calm, comfortable environment to support your care. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll receive the same high standard of personalised treatment.

Steps to get started

Service costs vary depending on individual needs, but our team is here to guide you. Get in touch to confirm fees and receive a clear, personalised breakdown before making any appointments.

Our team will support you through every stage, from your first enquiry to your recovery.

If you’re using health insurance

Check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.

If you’re paying for 
treatment yourself or using a payment plan

We’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.

Book an Appointment

To make things easier, you can book a new consultation appointment online.