Osteoarthritis can make everyday life harder. Joint pain and stiffness can make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, exercise, or enjoy the activities you love.
Many people try medications, physical therapy, injections, or other treatments for osteoarthritis pain. But what happens when those treatments don’t provide enough relief?
Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) may be another option.
At Astera Health, Dr. Ben Robertson and the ortho team treat patients with osteoarthritis. When other treatments are no longer helping, he refers patients to this therapy, which is offered in our cancer center.
What Is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy?
Low-dose radiation therapy uses a small amount of radiation to treat a painful joint. The goal is to help lower inflammation and reduce osteoarthritis pain.
You may hear the words “radiation therapy” and think of cancer treatment. LDRT for osteoarthritis is different. It uses much lower doses of radiation than those often used to treat cancer.
For osteoarthritis, the goal is to help calm inflammation in the joint. This may help reduce pain and make it easier to move.
Can Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis Help?
Low-dose radiation therapy may be an option for some people who have ongoing osteoarthritis pain.
It may be worth talking with your healthcare provider about LDRT if:
- Osteoarthritis pain is making daily activities difficult.
- Medications, physical therapy, or injections haven’t helped enough.
- You’re looking for a nonsurgical treatment option.
- You’re not ready for joint surgery.
- Surgery may not be a good option for you.
LDRT is not right for everyone. Your care team will look at your health, symptoms, and past treatments to help decide if it may be a good option.
What Happens During LDRT Treatment?
Low-dose radiation therapy is noninvasive. There are no cuts, needles, or anesthesia.
During treatment, a low dose of radiation is carefully aimed at the joint causing pain. Treatments are usually short, and patients can typically return to their normal activities afterward.
Dr. Robertson and the Astera Health team will create a treatment plan based on your needs.
As with any medical treatment, there are possible benefits and risks. Your care team will talk with you about what to expect and answer your questions before treatment begins.
Finding the Right Treatment for Joint Pain
There is no single treatment that works for everyone with osteoarthritis.
Your best treatment may depend on where you have joint pain, how severe it is, what treatments you have already tried, and your overall health.
Low-dose radiation therapy gives some patients another option for treating osteoarthritis pain without surgery.
If joint pain keeps you from doing the things you enjoy, talk with our team about your options.
Could Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Be Right for You?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ben Robertson or the Astera Health Orthopedics team to talk about your osteoarthritis pain and treatment options.
Our team can help you learn more about low-dose radiation therapy and decide if it may be right for you.