How Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Can Ease Osteoarthritis Pain

Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has made quite a comeback in recent years with proven pain relief for patients with osteoarthritis and its noninvasive approach. Keep reading to learn more from Carlos A. Lopez, MD, about LDRT, including how it works, its benefits, success rate and recovery.

LDRT Explained

“LDRT provides safe, painless, noninvasive and convenient relief from chronic osteoarthritis pain — especially for patients who haven’t improved with standard treatments — without disrupting daily life or limiting future surgical options,” says Dr. Lopez.

Unlike high doses of radiation, which are used to destroy cancer cells, low doses of radiation help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain without damaging healthy tissues. Typically, LDRT uses radiation doses 10 to 20 times lower than those used in cancer treatments.

According to the National Library of Medicine, LDRT has anti-inflammatory effects that involve modulating immune responses, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing apoptosis in inflammatory cells. “Essentially, LDRT helps reduce inflammation at the cellular level, leading to reduced pain,” states Dr. Lopez. Although LDRT isn’t a cure for osteoarthritis, it may greatly reduce your pain and help you get moving again.

LDRT: Who It’s for and Its Benefits

Dr. Lopez tells us, “LDRT isn’t a good fit for everyone and it’s not a first-line treatment option. LDRT also isn’t used to treat those with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.”

LDRT is most effective for those:

• Aged 40 or older
• Who aren’t candidates for surgery
• Who haven’t responded well to traditional treatment methods (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections or physical therapy)
• With osteoarthritis in their shoulders, hands, knees and feet

There are also numerous benefits associated with LDRT treatment, including:

• Ability to delay or avoid surgery after treatment
• Cost-effective option
• Improved mobility and functionality
• Minimal side effects
• Noninvasive option
• Proven pain relief

We know that many patients worry about the safety of LDRT, especially regarding radiation exposure. Rest assured, the amount of radiation exposure from LDRT is so small that the risk of developing cancer is extremely low. To help put your mind at ease, normal doses of radiation used for different types of cancers can range from 40 units to 80 units, while LDRT for osteoarthritis uses only three units.

LDRT’s Success and Recovery Rates

“LDRT is highly effective for treating patients with osteoarthritis and helping them find much-needed pain relief,” claims Dr. Lopez. According to the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, LDRT has been shown to provide symptomatic pain relief in 60 to 90% of patients. Because LDRT is a noninvasive treatment option, patients can return to their normal activities right away.

Helping You Find Osteoarthritis Relief

At AdventHealth, our orthopedic specialists are committed to helping you take your next step with more confidence and less pain. We know that navigating osteoarthritis can be challenging, but you're never alone.