Vandalia Health CAMC Radiation Oncology is now treating patients with inflamed joints using low dose radiation therapy (LDRT).
This is a well-established treatment modality in Europe that significantly reduces pain and improves mobility, especially in patients who haven’t responded well to conventional therapies.
Low dose radiation therapy is a safe, non-invasive way to help reduce pain and inflammation in joints affected by osteoarthritis.
“It’s exciting how CAMC is advancing the future of radiation therapy right here in Charleston,” said Lloyd Farinash, MD, Radiation Oncologist. “Unlike high-dose radiation used to treat cancer, this therapy uses very low levels of radiation, just enough to calm the body’s overactive inflammatory response. For many patients, this can mean real relief from joint pain and improved mobility without the side effects that sometimes come with medications or surgery.”
LDRT is especially helpful for older adults (50 and older) who have ongoing joint pain despite using medications, physical therapy or injections or other treatments.
Osteoarthritis is commonly treated with a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, exercise, injections into the joint and joint replacement surgery in more advanced cases
While these options can help, they don’t work for everyone, and many come with side effects, downtime or limited effectiveness.
“LDRT gives our community a new option for managing chronic pain right here at home,” Dr. Farinash said. “It helps patients avoid surgeries, reduce their reliance on medications, and get back to the activities they enjoy. It’s convenient and doesn’t require a hospital stay or recovery time.”
For patients who feel like they’ve run out of options, this therapy may offer hope, relief and a better quality of life without having to travel far or take on high medical risks.
Patients or physicians treating patients with osteoarthritis can contact CAMC Radiation Oncology for more information and to see if this treatment is appropriate.
