Low-Dose Radiation for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

Study suggests low-dose radiation offers significant knee pain relief and improved function for osteoarthritis patients, potentially delaying joint replacement. It may be an alternative between pain meds and surgery.

Dr. Byoung Hyuck Kim, primary investigator on the trial and an assistant teacher of radiation oncology at Seoul National College of Medicine, Boramae Medical Center, kept in mind that individuals with agonizing knee osteo arthritis “often deal with a challenging selection” in between the risk of adverse effects from pain medications and the dangers of joint replacement surgical treatment.

Low-Dose Radiation Study for Osteoarthritis

The research study wrapped up that low-dose radiation resulted in considerable reductions suffering and improved function after four months, a “little fraction” of what is generally utilized to treat cancer cells. Sebastian Kaulitzki – stock.adobe.com

Radiation as Alternative to Surgery & Pain Meds

“There’s a scientific requirement for moderate interventions in between weak discomfort drugs and hostile surgical procedure, and we assume radiation may be a suitable choice for those patients, specifically when drugs and injections are poorly endured,” he stated in a declaration.

The research study ended that low-dose radiation caused substantial reductions in pain and improved function after four months, a “small portion” of what is normally utilized to treat cancer cells. Sebastian Kaulitzki– stock.adobe.com

Combining Radiation with Lifestyle Changes

This treatment should also be taken into consideration together with various other way of life elements, consisting of weight reduction, physical rehabilitation and medications since actions might be “even more powerful when radiation is appropriately combined with other therapies,” Kim claimed.

The study, published by researchers in Korea and presented at the American Culture for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting in September, suggests that a solitary program of radiation can be a “effective and risk-free” therapy option.

Radiation Delays Joint Replacement in Some Cases

“For severe osteo arthritis, where the joint is literally destroyed and cartilage material is already gone, radiation will not regrow tissue,” he claimed. “But for people with moderate to modest condition, this approach can delay the requirement for joint replacement.”