A new study suggests that just one short round of low-dose radiation might help ease the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis. Researchers believe this underused therapy could become a surprising ally for millions living with joint pain.
A Common Ailment with Limited Answers
Osteoarthritis is one of the most widespread causes of disability worldwide, and for many, painkillers and physical therapy simply aren’t enough. Surgery often feels like the only option left.
When Radiation Isn’t About Cancer
Radiation therapy is typically linked to cancer treatment, but at very low doses, it can actually calm inflammation rather than destroy cells. This twist in its use has caught scientists’ attention.
The Study Behind the Headlines
Researchers at Seoul National University College of Medicine tested low-dose radiotherapy on 114 people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Some received real treatment, others a placebo—without knowing which.
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Just One Course of Treatment
Participants received six brief sessions over a few weeks—essentially a single course of therapy. No ongoing drugs, no hospital stays, just targeted low-dose radiation.
The Results Were Striking
After four months, about 70% of patients who got the higher radiation dose reported less pain and better movement, compared with only 41% in the placebo group.
Low Dose, Lower Impact
Those who received the very lowest dose didn’t improve much more than the placebo group, suggesting there may be a “sweet spot” for how much radiation works best.
A Safe and Gentle Option
No serious side effects were seen. The mild form of radiation used here didn’t cause burns, fatigue, or any signs of cancer risk during the trial.
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How It Works
Inflammation plays a major role in arthritis pain. Low-dose radiation can suppress the overactive immune response that breaks down cartilage—reducing swelling and stiffness.
Hope Beyond Pills and Surgery
For people who no longer respond to medications or injections, this therapy could offer a middle ground—potentially delaying or even avoiding joint replacement surgery.
Who Might Benefit Most
The treatment appears most effective for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, where the joint is still structurally intact and cartilage hasn’t completely worn away.
What Comes Next
The researchers plan to follow participants for a full year to see how long the benefits last and whether repeated sessions could help those who didn’t respond the first time.
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Article based on information from Medical News Today
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