Joint pain from arthritis is a big problem for both people and animals. A recent human medical study looked at a special gel that is injected into painful joints to help them feel better and move more smoothly. What makes this study especially interesting is that the exact same gel is already used in veterinary medicine for dogs, horses, and other animals.
This injectable gel is called a 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel. In veterinary medicine, it is commonly known as Arthramid. It has been used for years to help manage joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
What did the human study find?
In the human study, people with knee arthritis received an injection of this hydrogel directly into the joint. The researchers followed tracked these patients and how well the treatment worked. Improvements in pain and joint function were followed for up to five years after the injection, showing that the benefits were not just short term. Many patients reported less pain and better movement, and the treatment was generally well tolerated.
This long follow-up period is important because many joint injections only help for weeks or months. In this study, the hydrogel continued to provide benefit for years in some patients.
How does this gel work?
This hydrogel does not act like a pain medication that simply numbs discomfort. After it is injected, it stays inside the joint and becomes part of the joint lining. This can help improve cushioning, reduce friction, and support smoother movement. By improving the joint environment itself, the gel may provide longer-lasting support for arthritic joints.
What do we know about this gel in dogs?
This same hydrogel has also been studied in dogs with osteoarthritis. I was a co-author on a peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel injections in dogs. In that study, owners reported improvements in their dogs’ comfort and mobility, and the injections were well tolerated. These findings support what many veterinarians see in daily practice when this treatment is used in appropriate patients.
Why does it matter that the same gel is used in people and animals?
Dogs, horses, and people develop osteoarthritis in very similar ways. When the same treatment shows benefits across species, it strengthens confidence in the science behind it. This shared learning between human and veterinary medicine is often called a One Health approach and helps improve care for both people and animals.
What does this mean for pet owners?
For pet owners, this research adds reassurance that hydrogel joint injections are supported by studies in both human and veterinary medicine. In veterinary care, Arthramid is usually part of a complete arthritis management plan. This may also include weight management, physical rehabilitation, exercise changes, and other supportive therapies. While it is not a cure for arthritis, it can help improve comfort and quality of life.
The bottom line
A human study following patients for up to five years supports what veterinary research and clinical experience have already shown. A long-lasting hydrogel injection can help painful arthritic joints work better over time. Seeing the same material used successfully in both people and dogs highlights how closely connected human and animal medicine truly are.
If you have questions about whether this type of treatment may be right for your pet, a discussion with your veterinarian or a veterinary rehabilitation specialist is a good place to start.
Human paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13018-025-06526-0
Canine paper:
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.25.06.0398/javma.25.06.0398.xml
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