Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana
We offer non-surgical options for those with moderate to severe pain in the knees, hips, or fingers.
Current pain relief options for osteoarthritis are limited, short term and often have minimal benefit, and nearly a third of all people suffering from osteoarthritis experience severe pain on a daily basis. But there are new treatments available for osteoarthritis of the knee and and joints.
At Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana, one such treatment is low-dose radiation therapy. LD-RT is a noninvasive treatment that is one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis pain, especially for those for whom other methods have proven to be ineffective.
While a new treatment in the United States, LD-RT is a first line treatment for osteoarthritis in Europe and other parts of the world and well-studied as a result. In fact, studies show a pain improvement rate of over 70% after the initial set of LD-RT osteoarthritis treatments. And patients that were interviewed two years after their initial LD-RT treatments continued to report lasting pain relief.
Find out more about low-does radiation treatment for osteoarthritis pain.
How Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Changed One Patient’s Life
Many people think that radiation therapy is only used for malignant conditions and cancers, but the truth is that it can also be used to treat non-malignant conditions like osteoarthritis, Dupuytren’s contracture, and Ledderhose disease, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow. While not life threatening, these conditions can be very debilitating.
For some patients, radiation therapy can offer much-needed relief. That was the case for Shawn, a patient at Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana. Shawn was suffering from osteoarthritis in his left knee, and the pain was ever-present and having a big impact on his daily life.
“Every day, going up and down stairs was torture. Playing with my grandkids was excruciating,” he says. “Picking them up was always painful. Work was torture on my knees. I always felt like they were going to explode.”
Even simple tasks like yard work could cause Shawn to be in pain for days afterward.
Patients with osteoarthritis may want to consider low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis if they’re having worsening symptoms and a worsening quality of life despite other treatments such as NSAIDS, steroids, and joint injections. Radiation therapy for osteoarthritis is a low-risk option that can also be ideal for patients who are not good candidates for surgical options.
“I feel like this has given me a new lease on life, a freedom to do things that I would hesitate to do before,” Shawn says. After completing treatment, Shawn’s inflammation is gone, and his daily quality of life has increased significantly.
If you think low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis may be a good option for you, please reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, impacting millions of people around the world. It is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears away. Cartilage acts as a smooth, gliding surface that helps joints move easily and absorb shock. When it begins to break down, bones can start to rub directly against each other, causing friction and leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint.
Over time, this can make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as walking, bending, or using your hands. While osteoarthritis can develop in any joint, it most often affects those that bear weight or are used frequently, such as the hands, knees, and hips. The condition tends to worsen with age, but other factors like joint injuries, genetics, and repetitive stress on a joint can also contribute to its onset.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the cartilage that cushions your knee joint begins to wear away. As this protective layer breaks down, the bones in your knee joint start to rub against each other, leading to increased friction. This friction can cause discomfort, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee, making daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing up more challenging.
Osteoarthritis knee treatments are available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Hip osteoarthritis
Although hip osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, treatments for hip osteoarthritis are available to help you manage your symptoms and reduce your pain.
Osteoarthritis in fingers
Early signs to watch for include dull or burning joint pain after using your hands, morning stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. At RCK we can work with you to develop a personalized plan aimed at easing pain, maintaining flexibility, and helping you stay as active and comfortable as possible using new osteoarthritis in fingers treatments like low-dose radiation.
Erosive osteoarthritis
Erosive osteoarthritis is known for its more aggressive course, often starting suddenly and intensely compared to the gradual onset of typical osteoarthritis. This can be particularly challenging for those affected, as the pain and inflammation can significantly impact hand function and daily activities. Due to its ties to inflammation, some new recommendations for treatments for erosive osteoarthritis include low-dose radiation.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
We are here to support and encourage you—call us today to schedule your first appointment with one of our radiation oncologists at the cancer center nearest to you.
Radiation therapy doesn’t have to impact your life. We work to accommodate your schedule so you can continue with your daily activities. And we’re here to support you each step of the way. Here’s what your radiation therapy treatment journey at RCK will look like.