The invention provides creep resistant, lubricious and tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, creep resistant, lubricious, tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the creep resistant, lubricious and tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, or the PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, and cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.