Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, often referred to as the “wear and tear” disease. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually breaks down. Over time, this deterioration can lead to bones rubbing directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
While OA typically develops slowly over many years, certain factors can accelerate its progression, such as joint injuries, infections, or repetitive stress on the joints. The condition most often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine, but it can also impact the hands and other areas.
What Is Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Osteoarthritis?
Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses very small, targeted doses of radiation to reduce inflammation and pain in affected joints. This therapy has been used internationally for decades and is increasingly recognized in the U.S. as a promising option for patients who have not found relief through standard therapies.
How It Works
- Uses low, anti-inflammatory doses of radiation
- Targets the affected joint without damaging surrounding tissues
- Helps reduce inflammation, pain, and joint swelling
- May slow the progression of symptoms
Radiation used for osteoarthritis is a fraction of what is used to treat cancer, making it gentle, safe, and well-tolerated.
Who May Benefit from LDRT?
LDRT may be an option for patients who:
- Have chronic joint pain from osteoarthritis
- Have not achieved adequate relief with medications, physical therapy, or injections
- Prefer to avoid or postpone surgery
- Are seeking a long-term, non-invasive solution
LDRT can be used for most joints, including the knees, hands, shoulders, and hips.
What to Expect During Treatment
LDRT is a quick, painless procedure that requires no downtime.
Your Treatment Experience
- Outpatient procedure; no hospital stay required
- Each session lasts just a few minutes
- No anesthesia, injections, or incisions
- Most patients complete treatment in 6 short sessions over 2–3 weeks
- You can return to normal activities immediately
Many patients begin to notice improvement within weeks, with continued relief lasting over months.
Is LDRT Safe?
Absolutely. LDRT uses extremely low doses of radiation, making it a very safe option for patients. In fact, the amount of radiation delivered during treatment is comparable to what you would receive during a routine abdominal CT scan, a test many people are familiar with. This low dose is carefully administered to provide pain relief while minimizing any risk, so you can feel confident in the safety of your treatment.
The experience is similar to having an X-ray, quick, painless, and with a very low, targeted dose of radiation. Unlike traditional radiation treatments for cancer, LDRT uses a much smaller, highly focused amount of radiation, making it less toxic and specifically directed at the affected joint. This means surrounding tissues are protected, and the risk of side effects is extremely low.
Benefits Include:
- Minimal short-term side effects
- No systemic effects on the body
- Safe for older adults or individuals with other medical conditions
- Long history of successful use in Europe and worldwide
Your radiation oncology care team carefully plans and customizes each treatment to ensure maximum benefit and safety.
Results & Pain Relief
Many patients experience:
- Reduced pain and stiffness
- Improved joint mobility
- Enhanced ability to perform daily activities
- Relief that can last months to years
For patients with chronic symptoms, LDRT can be a meaningful step toward regaining comfort and function.
Why Choose MemorialCare for LDRT?
- Experienced radiation oncologists specializing in non-invasive joint pain treatment
- Advanced technology to deliver precise, targeted low-dose therapy
- Collaborative care with orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, sports medicine, pain management, and primary care physicians
- A patient-centered approach focused on comfort, mobility, and long-term relief
Request a Consultation
If you’re living with persistent osteoarthritis pain, LDRT may be the gentle, effective option you’ve been looking for. Call one of our radiation oncology centers to determine next steps. Our team is here to help you move freely and feel better.