Sponsored by Norwalk Hospital, part of Northwell Health. 

By Norwalk Hospital Radiation Oncologists

Osteoarthritis is a painful and common joint condition and the most common type of arthritis, affecting about 33 million Americans a year. In addition to pain, it causes joint stiffness and swelling that can make daily activities, like walking, working, exercising or even getting dressed, more difficult.

If you’ve already tried other conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications and still struggle with joint pain, you may be looking for another solution. Low‑dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis is a non‑invasive treatment option with minimal side effects. It is also an option for individuals who may want to avoid surgery. Find out how it works, who may benefit and what to expect.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down. As cartilage breaks down, joints can become painful, stiff and inflamed.

Osteoarthritis most often affects the hips, knees and hands, though it can occur in any synovial joint, the most common and freely moving type of joint in the body. Over time, symptoms may worsen and interfere with mobility, independence and overall quality of life.

What is radiation for osteoarthritis?

Radiation for arthritis, also known as low‑dose radiotherapy (LDRT), is an option for people whose osteoarthritis symptoms haven’t responded well to conservative treatments, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen or naproxen
• Steroid or gel joint injections

LDRT is a non‑invasive treatment that may help reduce pain and improve joint function. Studies show about three out of four people will experience meaningful and durable symptom relief lasting up to two years with a single round of treatment.

“The dose is much lower than what we use to treat cancer. The goal is to calm inflammation and improve function with minimal disruption to someone’s routine,” says Christine Chin, MD, radiation medicine at Northwell Health’s Norwalk Hospital.

Another advantage is convenience. Radiotherapy causes minimal disruption to daily life, allowing many people — including busy Westport families and commuters — to continue normal activities during treatment.

While it may be new to some people, LDRT has been used for several decades to treat various benign (non‑cancer) inflammatory conditions. This treatment is very different from radiation therapy used for cancer.

How does radiation for osteoarthritis work?

Radiotherapy for osteoarthritis uses precisely targeted X‑rays to stimulate the body’s natural anti‑inflammatory response. This response can help:

• Reduce joint pain
• Decrease swelling
• Improve stiffness and movement

Recovery is typically quick and well-tolerated because the treatment is non‑invasive. 

Who may benefit from radiation for osteoarthritis?

LDRT may be worth considering if:

• You are over age 40
• You have tried conservative treatments for at least three months
• Joint pain significantly affects your ability to do everyday activities
• You’re looking for a non‑surgical option to manage chronic pain

“Osteoarthritis can be incredibly limiting, and when more traditional options haven’t been enough, it’s worth discussing additional noninvasive approaches,” Dr. Chin says.

What does treatment involve?

Initial consultation: Your care begins with a consultation, during which a radiation doctor reviews your symptoms, performs a physical exam and discusses if LDRT is an appropriate treatment option. Imaging tests such as X-rays may be recommended to further assess the severity of osteoarthritis. 

Treatment planning: If suitable, you will have a CT scan to help your care team visualize the joint and plan treatment precisely. The scan usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Treatment sessions: The recommended course is a series of six treatments every other day over two weeks. Each visit lasts about 15 minutes, and the radiation itself takes about one minute to deliver. Treatment is painless, and because it does not cause drowsiness or dizziness, you can usually drive yourself home afterward.

“Most people are surprised by how straightforward it is — the visits are brief, the treatment itself is painless, and you can typically get right back to your day,” Dr. Chin says.

Is radiation for osteoarthritis safe?

LDRT is a very safe treatment, and the risks are low when used appropriately. It causes negligible side effects during the treatment course because it uses a much lower dose of radiation compared to cancer radiation therapy. Most people can continue normal daily activities during treatment.

There is a very small risk of skin cancer developing in the treated area — estimated at 1 in 10,000 people. Care teams minimize this risk by using the lowest effective treatment dose and by precisely targeting the affected joint. Your care team will review risks in detail and answer any questions before treatment begins.

You are not radioactive after treatments because the radiation does not stay in your body. It is safe to be around others after treatment.

How long does pain relief last after radiation for osteoarthritis?

You may experience relief within a few weeks, but the full effects may take up to two to three months. Pain relief has been reported to last up to two years from a single round of treatment. You can have another round of treatment for the same joint if you need additional relief.

Does insurance cover low‑dose radiation for osteoarthritis?

Coverage varies by insurance provider. Talk with a member of Northwell Health’s Norwalk Hospital care team to review insurance options and eligibility.

Low-dose radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment option for osteoarthritis that may help reduce pain, ease inflammation and improve joint function when other treatments haven’t worked. Request and appointment with Dr. Christine Chin at Norwalk Hospital.

Northwell Health’s Norwalk Hospital has sponsored this content for Westport Journal.