Comparing knee injection treatments at Physio Edge.
Several injectable treatments are available for knee osteoarthritis. All aim to reduce symptoms and improve function, but they work in different ways and differ in treatment schedule and recovery.
How the treatments compare
For the comparison of : Ostenil® Plus, Sinovial® HL 64, Sinovial® One, Sinogel® see the image
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CEoOJpRfBj81VmOte0rB0gO0RqMMvVoe/view?usp=sharing
All five are given in a single session, and only Ostenil Plus contains mannitol. None regenerates cartilage or cures osteoarthritis; the aim is to reduce symptoms and improve function.
What should I expect after my injection?
Most patients can walk normally after a knee injection, but we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, running, heavy gym work and impact activity immediately afterwards.
With the hyaluronic acid injections (Ostenil Plus, Sinovial HL 64, Sinovial One and Sinogel) there may be temporary soreness or swelling. Most patients return to normal activity over the following few days, depending on how the knee feels.
Arthrosamid is different. As a hydrogel implant rather than a temporary hyaluronic acid injection, it can take longer for the knee to settle. Some patients have a period of increased pain or swelling following treatment. We advise allowing a longer recovery period rather than planning important sporting events immediately afterwards.
Injection aftercare
This guidance applies to all the injections above. Your clinician may adapt it depending on your treatment and how your knee responds.
The first 24 to 48 hours
· Avoid strenuous exercise, running, jumping, heavy gym work and other impact activity.
· Keep moving gently — normal walking and everyday activity help the injection settle.
· If the knee feels sore or swollen, an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every few hours can help.
· Avoid heat, including saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and long hot baths.
· Showering is fine, but avoid swimming pools and soaking the injection site until the puncture has sealed.
· Simple pain relief such as paracetamol can be taken if needed. Please check with your clinician or pharmacist before using anti-inflammatory medication.
· Avoid drinking alcohol to excess.
From day two onwards
· Build your activity back up gradually, guided by how the knee feels rather than by a fixed timetable.
· Continue any rehabilitation or strengthening exercises you have been given. Injections work best alongside strengthening and loading work.
· Return to running, sport and heavy gym sessions progressively once the knee is comfortable.
· With Arthrosamid, allow a longer settling-in period and avoid planning important sporting events during the first few weeks.
When to contact us
Please get in touch promptly if you notice any of the following:
· Increasing pain, redness, heat or swelling in the knee, particularly after the first 48 hours.
· Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
· Being unable to put weight through the leg.
· A skin rash, itching, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Joint infection after an injection is rare but serious, so please do not wait to contact us if you are concerned.
How long before I need another injection?
There is no fixed schedule that applies to everyone.
For Ostenil Plus, we generally use a single injection and may repeat it every 6–12 months, depending on how long the benefit lasts and when symptoms return.
For Sinovial HL 64, Sinovial One and Sinogel, repeat treatment can be considered when symptoms return, usually every 6–12 months depending on your response.
For Arthrosamid, there is currently no routine “booster” injection. The hydrogel remains permanently within the synovial tissue, and current clinical data show sustained improvement for up to five years following a single 6 mL injection.
An important difference
Hyaluronic acid injections and Arthrosamid are not simply different brands of the same treatment.
Ostenil Plus, Sinovial HL 64, Sinovial One and Sinogel are hyaluronic acid viscosupplements, which improve the properties of the fluid within the osteoarthritic joint.
Arthrosamid is a polyacrylamide hydrogel implant. It is non-absorbable and becomes integrated within the synovial tissue, making it a fundamentally different treatment approach.
No injection can restore severely damaged cartilage or cure osteoarthritis; the aim is to reduce symptoms, improve function and keep you active. All treatments carry potential risks and are not suitable for everyone, so your clinician will assess your knee, symptoms, activity level and medical history before recommending an injection.
