Knee pain from arthritis can be relentless. It limits how far you walk, what you carry, how long you stand—and sometimes, even how well you sleep. For many, the idea of a knee replacement feels daunting or simply too soon. If that sounds familiar, the good news is: surgery isn’t your only option.
In this post, I want to shine a light on two promising, minimally invasive procedures that are offering relief to people with arthritic knees—Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) and Arthrosamid® injections.
Let’s take a closer look at what they are, how they work, and what you should know.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): Turning Down the Inflammation
GAE is a procedure that targets the tiny arteries feeding inflamed parts of the knee joint. The idea is to block specific vessels (genicular arteries) to reduce the blood supply to areas causing pain, calming the inflammation in a highly targeted way.
What makes it unique?
- It’s done via a catheter inserted into the blood vessels—no incisions needed.
- It typically takes under two hours and many people go home the same day.
- A 2025 study showed many patients experienced significant pain relief and improved quality of life one year after the procedure.
Who might benefit?
GAE is currently being used for people with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis who:
- Are not ready for knee replacement
- Haven’t responded well to painkillers or injections
- Want to avoid more invasive surgery
What’s the catch?
It’s still a relatively new treatment and not yet widely available in all areas. Not every patient is suitable, so a referral to a specialist interventional radiologist is needed.
Arthrosamid® Injections: Cushioning the Knee Joint
Another exciting development—Arthrosamid®—is now available in the UK and Europe. It’s a non-biodegradable hydrogel that’s injected into the knee to provide long-lasting cushioning and hydration in the joint.
How is it different from other injections?
Unlike hyaluronic acid or steroid injections, Arthrosamid®:
- Stays in the joint permanently
- Has a soft, cushioning effect, rather than just lubricating
- Aims to reduce pain and improve mobility long-term with a single injection
Is it proven?
Yes. Studies have shown meaningful reductions in pain, and some patients report relief for a year or more. It’s an exciting option for those looking to delay or avoid knee surgery.
Is it for everyone?
It’s typically offered to people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, especially those who:
- Don’t want frequent injections
- Want to remain active without resorting to surgery
These blog may be helpful – Medical Treatments for Knee Arthritis: An Overview
Could I Avoid a Knee Replacement With Physio?
How Do You Know What’s Right for You?
While both GAE and Arthrosamid® are promising, they’re not first-line treatments—and not always the best starting point.
Here’s what I often remind my patients:
- Strengthening your muscles, especially around the hips and knees, makes a huge difference in managing arthritis.
- Avoiding aggravating movements and adjusting your exercise habits can reduce flare-ups dramatically.
- Sometimes, getting the right physio support first can delay or even eliminate the need for invasive procedures.
Your Next Step
If you’re fed up with knee pain and worried about what the future holds, know this:
You have options. And you don’t have to jump straight to surgery.
Whether you’re curious about injections, procedures like GAE, or simply need a better plan for day-to-day relief—I can help.
Start by joining my free Arthritic Knee Masterclass, where we dive into:
- How to settle flare-ups
- Common mistakes to avoid in exercise
- Safe strengthening strategies you can start today
👉 Click here to sign up for free
Final Thoughts
Living with knee arthritis can be frustrating, but there are more treatment options than ever before. Genicular Artery Embolization and Arthrosamid® represent a new era of minimally invasive care—and for the right person, they could be helpful. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact these may have clinically as they become more widely available.
But don’t forget: strength, movement, and support still matter most. The best plan usually involves a mix of smart rehab and, where appropriate, innovative treatments like these.
Let’s help you move forward—stronger, steadier, and with less pain.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Chartered Physiotherapist Treating Arthritic Knees Since 2001
