Osteoarthritis (OA)

OVERVIEW

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term degenerative joint condition in that affects close to 27 million Americans causing pain and stiff joints limiting daily activity for nearly 24 million people. OA can affect any joint in the human body, but the most commonly affected joints include hands, knees, and the spine. OA is characterized as a progressive disorder typically presenting with signs of joint stiffness, pain, and loss of mobility.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for (OA) but the symptoms can be managed, although the damage to the joints can’t be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and receiving certain treatments might slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.

Why Radiation Therapy?
OA patients who fail medical and or surgical therapy can be excellent candidates for Low Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT). LDRT has been shown to improve mobility and lessen pain for about 70% of the patients who are treated. The low dose of radiation, basically an x-ray, can decrease the inflammation associated with OA and patients have seen improvement after just weeks of treatment. LDRT has been shown to be a cost-effective, noninvasive treatment with minimal side effects.