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SPRINGFIELD – Mercy Health announced recently it is now offering low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) to help patients who suffer from osteoarthritis.

The Centers for Disease Control says this degenerative joint condition is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 32.5 million people in the United States.

“This condition causes severe joint pain and stiffness, a daily reality which can lead to bigger problems that affect a person’s overall well-being,” warned Mercy Health radiation oncologist Dr. Josh Martin. “Those who suffer can’t be as active when they’ve having pain, and that inactivity can increase a person’s risk of heart disease or decrease their ability to work.”

The CDC calls arthritis the leading cause of disability in the U.S. It’s traditionally treated with painkillers, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery. However, Mercy Health is offering a new option that can help when conventional treatments don’t provide sufficient relief.

“Radiation therapy can provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation in localized areas affected by osteoarthritis, offering patients a non-invasive and effective second line treatment option to improve their quality of life,” said Dr. Martin. “It can also be used alongside other treatments, an approach that can enhance the overall treatment effectiveness.”

LDRT consists of six treatments every other day, taking only two weeks’ time to complete. The medical team uses the same equipment that’s used in radiation for cancer, but the amount of radiation is much smaller than that used to kill cancer skills. Because of this, there is very little risk of side effects.

This method can be used to treat joint pain in the knees, hips, hands, thumbs, ankles, shoulders, and elbows. One study showed patients reporting a 65.6% improvement in pain after just 8 weeks.

If you are experiencing joint pain, Mercy Health offers a variety of treatment options that can help offer relief. Visit mercy.com to learn more.

Info from Mercy Health