Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder where the cartilage in the joint gradually breaks down. Cartilage is the cushion in your joints that makes them easy to move. As it degenerates, you feel symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased flexibility. These symptoms get worse over time, and in more advanced stages, osteoarthritis can significantly affect your daily life.
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, quite a few treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms. The goal is to find relief without joint replacement surgery. Some of these treatments become less effective as the arthritis becomes more advanced. Which treatments are available and what can you do as osteoarthritis progresses?
Conservative Osteoarthritis Treatment Approaches
When you first notice osteoarthritis developing, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment options for your osteoarthritis. Conservative arthritis treatments mean they are non-invasive.
- Medications: Analgesics (pain relievers) such as acetaminophen and opioids, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. Some of these medications are available over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription. Long-term use of over-the-counter medications to relieve arthritis pain can lead to kidney and liver damage. There’s also a concern about possible addiction to prescription pain medications.
- Lifestyle changes: Carrying excess weight can place additional strain on your joints. Reducing this stress can help alleviate pain and slow the progression of the condition. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and low-impact exercise can promote overall joint health.
- Physical therapy: Regular sessions with a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or chiropractor can provide osteoarthritis patients with tailored exercises to enhance joint flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the joint, and improve overall function.
- Complementary or alternative therapies: Some patients may find additional relief for osteoarthritis with acupuncture or by taking specific supplements. Discuss options with your physician and discuss any other medications you may be using before taking supplements to avoid interactions.
Advanced Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatments
If conservative methods fail to relieve your osteoarthritis pain, your doctor may suggest exploring more advanced treatment options, including:
- Injections: Corticosteroids can be injected directly into the affected joint to provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation. Additionally, injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint can help alleviate pain and improve joint mobility by acting as a lubricant.
- Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LD-RT): LD-RT is a re-emerging treatment for osteoarthritis, particularly for patients who have not found relief through conventional methods. This therapy involves administering small doses of radiation to the affected joints, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and enhance mobility.
Surgery for Advanced Osteoarthritis
If conservative treatments and other non-surgical options prove ineffective, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss the possibility of joint replacement surgery, such as total knee or hip replacement. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after their damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis.
How Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Is Used in Treating Osteoarthritis
The primary goal of treating osteoarthritis is to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints while improving flexibility. Although radiation therapy is often associated with cancer treatment, it can also be an effective option for managing this chronic condition.
In low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis, radiation beams are directed at the joint using a device called a linear accelerator. This precise delivery method protects the surrounding healthy tissue. There are very few side effects because the dose of radiation is low and only a few treatments are needed.
Low-dose radiation therapy has been shown to reduce joint inflammation in patients, resulting in reduced pain. Ongoing research suggests that LD-RT regulates inflammatory pathways which means the pain relief is long-lasting compared to traditional osteoarthritis treatment methods. Some patients report arthritis pain relief that lasts up to two years.
Why Consider Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Some key benefits of low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis include:
- Non-invasive: Low-dose radiation therapy does not involve surgery or injections, making it a preferable option for those who want a less invasive treatment method.
- Versatile: LD-RT can be administered to multiple areas of the body, including the hands, fingers, knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and spine.
- Pain relief and improved mobility: By reducing inflammation, LD-RT can lead to significant improvements in joint function and overall quality of life.
- Minimal side effects: Because LD-RT uses a low radiation dose, patients generally experience few to no side effects during treatment, especially when compared to the higher doses commonly used in cancer therapies.
- Cost-effective: Low-dose radiation therapy is approved by most insurance plans, making it a good option for those seeking relief from osteoarthritis pain.
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Compared to Other Osteoarthritis Treatments
While conservative approaches can be useful for managing osteoarthritis, there are some notable disadvantages to consider.
Medications, as discussed, can cause unwanted side effects to the stomach, liver, and kidneys. Cortisone injections, which are commonly used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain, can weaken ligaments, tendons, and healthy cartilage with long-term use. Plus these injections usually only provide relief for a few months.
Surgery is often reserved for advanced cases of osteoarthritis, but it is invasive and typically requires a lengthy rehabilitation period. People with pre-existing health conditions or other risk factors may also have additional struggles recovering from the surgery.
In contrast, low-dose radiation therapy does not have these drawbacks, providing patients with promising, long-lasting results and minimal to no downtime or side effects.
Treating Osteoarthritis With Low-Dose Radiation in the Atlanta Area
If you suffer from osteoarthritis and have not found relief through other treatment methods, low-dose radiation therapy may be a suitable option. Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia offers advanced low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis patients in the Atlanta area. We use the latest radiation therapy technologies and have clinics in Blairsville, Conyers, Covington, Decatur, and Snellville, Georgia.
Take time to speak with your primary care physician, rheumatologist, orthopedic doctor, or pain specialist about your situation and to get a referral to one of our clinics. We will evaluate your condition to determine if radiation therapy is an appropriate option for you. Request an appointment at the location nearest you for an initial consultation.
