Former England defender Danny Mills turns to Arthrosamid® as focus on knee health grows at the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Why This Matters during the World Cup

But Mills’ experience reflects a wider issue across the game. The toll from a long and strenuous playing career doesn't always end when the career does. 

As the Group Stage of the World Cup 2026 kicks off, the spotlight isn’t only on the players performing on the biggest stage, but instead on what happens to them after the final whistle blows. For Mills, retirement came earlier than expected at just 32. His experience with Arthrosamid® has shown him and the wider football community that the treatment isn’t only relevant for former players. Instead, it has the potential to support today’s professionals too, helping them manage the demands of modern football and aiding recovery during one of the most physically intense competitions in football history, the World Cup.

What Is Arthrosamid®? 

Arthrosamid® works as an alternative to surgery. It is simply an injectable hydrogel treatment designed to provide long-lasting pain relief for knee osteoarthritis. It is designed to integrate with the joint's soft tissue, helping reduce pain associated with movement.

Unlike traditional short-term injections, Arthrosamid® is the first and only approved injectable implant treatment, decreasing joint stiffness, diminishing pain, improving the function of the knee, and enhancing your quality of life - a popular solution for sports athletes during or post career. 

Danny Mills’ Experience in more detail

After a 15 year playing career at the highest level, Mills experienced ongoing knee discomfort that began to make even the simplest movements harder. Affecting not only his on-pitch performance, but also his day-to-day mobility. Like many former athletes facing similar struggles, he explored different management options before choosing Arthrosamid®. 

With worn joints and knee osteoarthritis, the treatment offered a non-surgical route to managing his long-term health pain, regaining the active lifestyle he once had. 

“After years in professional football, I thought knee pain was just something I’d have to put up with. The pain became part of my daily life. Since being treated with Arthrosamid®, it's been a real game-changer!

“The injection has been a great alternative to surgery, and I'm glad I chose this route. It’s made a huge improvement in my day-to-day movement in ways I didn’t think were possible, and it’s a relief to finally have a treatment that is actually long-lasting.”

The Bigger Issue: Knee osteoarthritis in Football

Knee osteoarthritis reflects a far wider issue in football than many realise. Years of high-intensity training sessions, repeated twisted movements, and the cumulative impact of injuries leave many former professionals facing long-term joint pain. The physical demands of the game are relentless, and the strain placed on the knees over time is one of the biggest contributors to rising rates of knee osteoarthritis in ex-players. 

Football players face double the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis compared to the general population, and for most players, the effects come after retirement, impacting mobility, exercise, and day-to-day life. As conversations on long-term player welfare continue to grow, there is increasing focus on how former players can better manage these conditions.

The Professional Opinion 

Mark Gillett, Chief Medical Officer at the Premier League, specialises in knee disorders and treated Mills in July 2025. 

“Former professional players are regularly exposed to high levels of physical stress throughout their careers. Over time, this can contribute to the development of conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. Managing these symptoms effectively is an important part of making players stay comfortable in the long run, especially after retirement. 

“That's where treatments like Arthrosamid® can play a huge role. I’ve treated former players like Danny Mills, and this single injectable solution has provided lasting relief for so many in similar positions. But it's not just retired professionals I've helped. For athletes who have pushed their bodies to the limit, this type of non-surgical, joint‑cushioning treatment can be exactly what they’ve been looking for to maintain performance whilst managing pain.” 

Conclusion 

As excitement for the 2026 World Cup hype continues to build, most conversations naturally focus on performance, but there’s also growing awareness of the physical stress that football takes on players’ bodies. Mills’ experience shows how these demands can build up over time. And with a near 40-day tournament that’s just kicked off, long term knee health is becoming an even bigger discussion. With treatments like Arthrosamid® being explored as part of wider conversations, the future is looking promising for players looking to remain active and extend their time in the game.