Published on 01 May 2026
For years, Janet’s active lifestyle was limited by severe knee pain from osteoarthritis and injury. Seeking a less invasive alternative to knee replacement, she chose Arthrosamid® at Benenden Hospital. Her treatment led to a remarkable recovery, restoring mobility, relieving pain and allowing her to return to sport.
What symptoms were you suffering from?
“I’ve had problems with my knees for a very long time, some of it’s inherited osteoarthritis, but I’m also a keen sportswoman. Having played lots of racquet sports and golf over the years, I’ve also overused my knees in that respect. I had suffered a recent injury where I had two meniscal tears, which then formed a Baker’s cyst, all of which was compounded by the osteoarthritis. The knee pain I experienced was between a seven to nine out of 10 daily.
“It was very debilitating. I was using aids to walk, I stopped socialising, stopped going out, and taking part in sport was just not possible. Life changed completely for me, but not in a good way.
“I went to my GP about the pain and they prescribed painkillers. After a time, they lost effectiveness, so I had extensive physiotherapy, strapping, ice and heat treatments, knee supports; however, nothing seemed to work for any length of time. It was at this point I knew I needed a longer-term, sustainable treatment for my knee.”
Why did you choose Benenden Hospital?
“I’m a great one for looking online for solutions and the invariable ‘Dr Google’, and it was online that I learnt about Arthrosamid® for the first time. My left knee had been treated previously at Benenden Hospital by Associate Specialist Surgeon, Mr Kumar Reddy for another issue and so I was thrilled to discover he offered Arthrosamid®! I booked an appointment with him straight away.”
Why did you choose to have an injection over having a knee replacement?
“I knew I didn’t want a knee replacement. If there is an alternative treatment that was less invasive and had a shorter recovery time, I will always choose that option. As I’m a sportswoman, Arthrosamid® allowed me to play golf whilst my knee was being healed.”
What happened during your initial consultation?
“It was a very thorough examination of the knee because with the meniscal tears, the Baker’s cyst and the osteoarthritis, there was quite a lot to consider. Mr Reddy was confident that Arthrosamid® would help reduce my pain symptoms and provide a lasting improvement in the joint, and we were both happy to go ahead on that basis.”
What happened on the day of your Arthrosamid® injection?
“The injection was carried out in theatre, it was guided with ultrasound and I had a local anaesthetic first. The staff explained everything that was going to happen to me and I had a nurse with me who helped with distraction. During the injection, the discomfort was minimal and fleeting, and it was all over and done with quite quickly.”
How long was your recovery period to get back to doing what you love?
“Mr Reddy told me to expect up to 12 weeks for a full recovery. I pushed that a little bit because I qualified for a national golf final a week after the injection. I asked what he thought I should do and he said it was fine to play. He told me not to expect too much from the joint and to take care of my knees. I did play in that final - obviously I didn’t win because I was still in recovery mode! At this point, there was still a lot to recover from, as the Baker’s cyst needed draining again, which Mr Reddy did.
“It was miraculous - within 12 weeks it was as if I’d never has osteoarthritis, never had an injury, never had anything. Pain relief is now not required and I’m now fully fit and mobile. I’m 100% recovered with no lasting symptoms; it’s just like I’ve had a new knee.”
Would you recommend this treatment at Benenden Hospital to others and why?
“I wholeheartedly would recommend it. It’s less invasive than a knee replacement and I think the outcome is better in terms of recovery as it’s quicker. There’s no way I would be getting around a golf course so quickly without this treatment. I understand a knee replacement might be the only solution for some, but if you have the choice to have this treatment, go for it.
“Arthrosamid® is a repeatable treatment, so if this lasts for four or five years and I have to have it again, I wouldn’t hesitate. At Benenden Hospital, care is always available, affordable and assured.”
Knee pain treatment at Benenden Hospital
Book your initial consultation online or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158. If you have any questions regarding the options available for knee pain, including Arthrosamid® injections, physiotherapy or knee replacement surgery, please contact us using our online enquiry form or via Livechat.