Osteoarthritis
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Living with osteoarthritis can make everyday activities painful and challenging. For patients who continue to experience joint pain despite medications, injections, physical therapy or other treatments, low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) may offer another option for relief.
When delivered at very low doses, radiation therapy has anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce pain and improve comfort in affected joints. LD-RT may be used to treat osteoarthritis affecting the hands, fingers, knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and spine.
Before treatment begins, patients meet with a radiation oncologist to determine whether LD-RT is an appropriate option for their condition.
Treatment is delivered using a radiation machine in six to eight sessions over two to three weeks. Sessions are typically scheduled every other day or twice weekly. Each treatment takes less than 10 minutes, and multiple joints can often be treated during the same visit.
LD-RT is painless and generally well tolerated. The radiation dose used for osteoarthritis is significantly lower than the doses used to treat cancer. Studies have reported very low rates of side effects associated with treatment.
Studies have shown that more than 70% of patients experience meaningful pain improvement following treatment. While some patients notice relief within weeks, others experience gradual improvement over several months as inflammation decreases.
Over 65% of patients report pain relief lasting two years after initial treatment.
This treatment is recognized and approved by the vast majority of insurance plans.
To learn if low-dose radiation therapy may be right for you, contact Southern Cancer Center at 251.625.6896 to schedule a consultation.