What You Should Know About Radiation For Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is known to be a progressively debilitating disorder commonly presenting with symptoms of pain, loss of mobility, joint stiffness, and fatigue.

Have you had it with Osteoarthritis (OA) and the disability it causes? Is nothing working? Are you running out of therapeutic options, and do not want to pursue an aggressive intervention yet?

If yes to any of the above, then Low-dose RT might be for you. 

At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we use low-dose radiotherapy to successfully reduce pain and discomfort for multiple non-cancerous and benign conditions such as:

What is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy?

While radiation therapy is normally used to treat and kill cancer, in lower doses, LDRT is a proven, effective treatment that has been used to treat a variety of benign conditions, including Osteoarthritis, Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Dupuytren’s Contracture, Achilles Tendinitis, and Tennis Elbow. 

Radiation therapy for osteoarthritis helps reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joints.

LDRT is given via our top-of-the-line and patient-friendly Halycon and Truebeam radiation machines. It is a non-invasive treatment involving targeted radiation.

Most patients will be recommended to receive six low-dose radiation treatments every other day or twice a week. These doses are ultra low compared to the doses used when treating cancer. For example, a patient with prostate cancer may receive up to 81 Gy during their treatment course while a patient with osteoarthritis will only receive 3 Gy during their entire course of treatment.

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Each treatment takes less than 10 minutes, and multiple joints can be treated in the same session. LDRT is painless, and a long-term study of patients receiving the treatment found no significant acute or late side effects.

Radiation therapy can cause side effects specific to the area being treated, which can vary from patient to patient. While these side effects are typically temporary and often subside gradually after treatment, it’s important to adhere to your treatment schedule to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Treatment Planning 

Before beginning radiation therapy, a CT simulation scan is typically performed. This scan is used to map the treatment area and minimize radiation exposure to healthy tissues near the target area. Radiation treatment generally begins about 1-2 weeks after this planning session.

Common Side Effects 

Radiation therapy can cause mild skin reactions and fatigue. While there is a theoretical risk of developing another cancer due to radiation exposure, this risk is extremely low, especially with low-dose radiation treatments like those used for conditions such as osteoarthritis.

• Skin Reactions: Skin reactions in the treated area are a common side effect during and shortly after radiation therapy. These reactions occur because X-rays must pass through the skin to reach the treatment area. Proper skin care is essential to help prevent or minimize these reactions. In some cases, skin changes may be permanent.

• Fatigue: Fatigue is another common side effect that can result from various factors, including the treatment itself, the stress of managing an illness, daily travel for appointments, and the impact of other treatments such as chemotherapy.

Tips for Managing Fatigue

• Pace Yourself: Plan regular rest periods throughout the day to prevent excessive fatigue.

• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and errands.

• Stay Active: Moderate exercise, such as walking, cycling, or using weights or stretch bands, several times a week has been shown to help reduce fatigue.

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Rapid weight loss can increase fatigue. If you’re struggling to eat enough, consult your provider for guidance.

These recommendations are designed to help manage energy levels and maintain overall well-being during radiation therapy.

If you have any questions about LDRT for osteoarthritis, please call 1-866-269-7232.