If you have knee osteoarthritis and are keen to delay or avoid surgery, then an injection may provide you with symptom relief. At Joint Care London we have four main injection options: steroid, hyaluronic acid (lubricant gel), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Arthrosamid. Each of these interventions has its advantages and disadvantages, and there is no “one-size fits all” option. The following ‘consultant-led’ guide compares each injection, demonstrating how each one works, in whom it works best, how long it lasts for and what it costs.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr James Thing (MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, FFSEM), Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine.
| Injection | Best for | Lasts | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steroid (cortisone) | Painful, inflamed flare-ups | Weeks–few months | £525 |
| Hyaluronic acid (gel) | Mechanical pain, stiffness & knee cap joint issues | ~6 months+ | £625 |
| PRP | Early arthritis, often used in younger patients | Varies | See fees |
| Arthrosamid | Longer-term knee osteoarthritis treatment | Years (single injection) | £2,995 |
A steroid injection reduces inflammation and eases pain quickly, so it suits patients who are suffering with daily knee pain and flare-ups. Relief is usually noted within days and lasts for 4–6 months on average. Cost at Joint Care London: £525. See cortisone injection costs explained.
A hyaluronic-acid (gel) injection helps to lubricate and cushion the joint and tends to last longer than steroids — around six months or more. It is often used in combination with a steroid injection. It suits patients with ongoing, mechanical arthritis pain and those with kneecap related arthritis. Cost at Joint Care London: £625. See gel injection costs explained, or compare directly in our steroid vs gel guide.
PRP uses a patient’s own concentrated platelets to support the joint, and is often considered in earlier arthritis. Blood is taken and centrifuged (spun down) to separate the red cells from the platelet-rich part containing growth factors and signalling molecules. This is then injected into the knee joint and is often used in the early stages of arthritis and in younger patients, where there is excellent evidence. Cost at Joint Care London: £660. Our PRP vs steroid guide explains where it fits.
Arthrosamid is the newest option: a single, non-biodegradable hydrogel injection developed specifically for knee osteoarthritis, which can maintain pain relief for years from one treatment. Cost: £2,995. It is often considered when steroid or gel injections no longer give enough relief, and is one of the leading alternatives to knee replacement.
The best injection depends on the stage of your arthritis and what your knee actually needs — which is why every treatment here starts with a diagnostic ultrasound and consultation with one of the experienced Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultant doctors at Joint Care London. Our clinics are based in Notting Hill, Golders Green and Henley-on-Thames. For the full cost picture, see our complete guide to injection costs in London.
Not sure which injection is right for your knee? Book a consultation or call 0333 011 1885 — we will confirm the diagnosis and, after thorough discussion, recommend the optimal treatment.
